What Are
Eating Disorders
Written by Nadeen Taha, Clinical Dietitian at The Valens Clinic, Dubai.
Eating disorders are complex behavioural conditions characterized by significant and persistent disruptions in eating habits and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. Individuals become excessively fixated on food, body weight and shape, or may have anxiety about eating and the implications of consuming specific foods. Behaviours such as restrictive eating, avoidance of certain types of food, binge eating, purging (via vomiting or laxative abuse), or compulsive exercising can manifest, bearing a resemblance to addiction patterns. Typical symptoms of these disorders include changes in weight, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, muscle atrophy, cessation of menstrual cycles, severe constipation or bloating, iron deficiency anemia, and even bone density loss (Osteopenia/Osteoporosis).
Treatment of eating disorders addresses behavioural, nutritional, and medical complications that can arise from malnutrition and purging. This may include serious cardiac and gastrointestinal issues among other life-threatening conditions.
It is very common for us to see patients who initially exhibit ambivalence toward treatment, are in denial of their eating or weight issues, or have anxiety about altering their eating habits or gaining weight.
Addressing the complex and delicate nature of individuals struggling with disordered eating patterns requires a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition, mental health and body image.
Clinical dietitians specialized in eating disorders play a crucial role in managing and treating disordered eating patterns, which can present in many forms such as binge eating, restrictive eating, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorders, pica or rumination disorder.
Although these conditions often emerge during adolescence and young adulthood and are more commonly diagnosed in females, they can impact individuals of any age and gender. With the appropriate nutritional intervention and dietetic counselling, individuals can correct malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances, normalize eating patterns, and ultimately regain their physical health.
In my experience, I have witnessed the positive transformation of patients as they recover and establish a healthy relationship with food, and are able to attend social events and school again. By collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists, we are able to formulate comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Such a holistic approach to well-being provides a supportive environment that empowers patients to make sustainable changes on their journey, and reclaim their physical and mental health.
Are you going through the same? Visit us for Eating Disorders Treatment in Dubai.