Perfectionism, puberty, genetics always have played their roles in eating disorders. We live in a world where every day we idealize the perfect bodies of Instagram models accompanied by the perceived pressure to be thin. where we all are binge eating to cope up with stress and loneliness in this pandemic. The lockdown has been a constant trigger not only by the food blogs but also by the sudden hype of exercise routines. Also Read: Eating Disorders in Men: Why No One Talks about It?

People already suffering from anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive traits become fertile soil for eating disorders. eating disorders are not just about psychological patterns that cause unhealthy eating and it’s much deeper because eating disorders can feel like a best friend to a person giving them a sense of security and mastery.

It’s time for us to break the stereotype of eating disorder being a girl who thinks she is fat. Eating disorders can affect anyone irrespective of age, race, ethnicity and gender. With the never stopping cultural preferences of ‘maleness’ today eating disorders are on a rise in the male population In fact, eating disorders like muscle dysmorphia is often looked at as a healthy habit of being in good shape.

people with eating disorders often ffel that they dont belong or fit unless their body looks a certain way

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the types people first think of when they think of the term eating disorders. Here’s light to rising eating disorder people are at high risk of developing.

• Night eating syndrome: An individual with this syndrome frequently eat excessively after waking up from sleep and tends to develop a belief that eating is necessary to get to sleep or get back to sleep.
• Orthorexia nervosa: An individual with this syndrome forms a obsession with healthy food, completely restricting foods they consider harmful to an extent that disrupts their daily life.
• Binge-eating disorders: People who binge- eat ,suffers from distressing episodes of losing control over food, they often feel ashamed of themselves and are at a risk of developing heart disease or diabetes.

what should you do when you see someone struggling?

• First thing you can do is explain your concerns, instead of lecturing them or giving them your opinions try to tell how much you love them and why you are worried about them.

• Be ready for their denial: people with eating disorders may show resistance, they may even lie or manipulate when asked for seeking treatment, try to remain calm and respectful.

• Avoid giving them simple solutions: for instance, if a person is starving themselves don’t force them to eat; you are telling them to do a thing they are most scared of. If it were that easy the person won’t be suffering.

if you are someone who might be suffering from a eating disorder

1. ACCESS SUPPORT : Take regular therapy sessions and try to get additional support from your family or friends
2. ENJOY YOUR LITTLE HOBBIES: Take some time to enjoy the things you love to do or discovery new things to boost up your mood.
3. HAVE A REGULAR SLEEP SCHEDULE: Maintaining a routine can help you to have a fresh start of the day and make sure your body gets the proper rest.
4. HAVE DECENT EXERCISE ROUTINE: If you feel anxious about the lack of movement , try doing some light exercises and don’t forget to be kind to yourself , if you are in a pressure to stay fit.
5. DRAW BOUNDARIES: You have the right to set boundaries to the people not understanding you, while you are trying to heal whether it’s your own family.
6. TRY TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHILE EATING OR AFTER EATING.

Need some help to understand eating disorders better? Hope this helps!