Poor mental health is linked to eating disorders

Considering the high rate of obesity in Malaysia, it is evident that our relationship with food is problematic.

However, this relationship is skewed in a completely different and equally harmful way for a tiny subset of people.

In a 2022 study examining the occurrence of eating disorders in Malaysians, almost 50% of the participants indicated they were experiencing eating disorder symptoms.

The study “Estimated prevalence of eating disorders in Malaysia based on a diagnostic screen” also mentioned binge-eating, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and avoidant/restrictive food intake as examples of these diseases.

According to dietician Lim Zetong of KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital, an eating disorder is a mental health problem in which a person uses control over food as a coping mechanism for emotions and other situations.

Overeating or undereating, as well as obsessive concern over one’s weight or body type, are examples of this.

While anyone can develop an eating disorder, teens and young adults are the most susceptible, according to Lim. Females are also more likely than guys to suffer from eating problems.

Lim continues, “Treating these disorders can be successful, especially if caught early and treated effectively.”

Eating disorders can have a significant and long-lasting effect on the body.

For instance, anorexia nervosa can cause muscle atrophy and weakness, brittle hair and nails, weakening of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis), brain impairment, and multiple organ failure.

On the other hand, bulimia nervosa can result in severe dehydration from purging, intestinal distress and irritation from abusing laxatives, and electrolyte imbalance (too high or too low levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, and other minerals) that can induce a heart attack or stroke.

TYPICAL EATING DISORDERS

Binge Eating Disorder Eaters who suffer from this disorder lose control over their eating habits and stuff themselves full. This leads to the fact that many who have this illness are obese or overweight.

Anorexia Nervosa

Patients severely limit or avoid eating. They frequently have an unrealistic perception of body type and weight as well as a severe dread of gaining weight. They could consider themselves overweight even if they are dangerously underweight.

Bulimia Nervosa

A disorder in which a person experiences frequent, recurring periods of losing control over how much they eat, followed by binge eating or rigorous exercise to prevent gaining weight.

OVERCOMING EATING ILLNESSES

According to Lim, treatment strategies for eating disorders could involve any combination of these methods as well as psychotherapy, medication, dietary counselling, medical attention, and monitoring.

Restoring proper nutrition, reaching a healthy weight, cutting back on excessive exercise, and ending binge-purge and binge-eating behaviors are all objectives of treatment.

According to Lim, treating underlying mental illnesses or substance use issues in individuals with eating disorders is also crucial.

The treatment approach should include co-therapy for these other disorders.

According to her, patients typically go through an organized diet programme to help them regain healthy eating habits and lose weight.

Because they require close observation, severe cases frequently necessitate hospitalization during the course of treatment.

In less severe situations, outpatient care is an option.

Nutrition education is a common component of eating programmers. It teaches participants how food impacts their bodies and how eating disorders can lead to both physical and nutritional difficulties.

“Patients will also be taught how to practice meal planning and establish regular eating patterns, which includes three meals a day with regular snacks.”

To guarantee adequate nutrition, the meal plan will include enough calories, protein, and other food groups.

As a component of therapy, accompanied eating may also be used to help normalize eating.

According to Lim, dietitians who intervene in eating disorder patients do so as a member of a multidisciplinary team.