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SOCIAL media are thankfully pushing more women to accept their bodies fat or thin. But despite the rise of curve acceptability, many people suffer from eating disorders, something that starts out with low self-esteem and is often a guise for deep emotional problems. With National Obesity Week coming to an end and today being World Food Day, here are some pointers on how to stay healthy. Annemarie Louw, clinic manager at Akeso Montrose Manor Clinic, says an eating disorder (ED) can have devastating effects on a person’s life, affecting both mental and physical health, productivity and relationships. In severe cases an ED may be lifethreatening, so it is important that people across all cultures and societies recognise the potentially severe nature of the disorder and act timeously to get the necessary help and support. Categorised by abnormal or disturbed eating habits and a severely negative body image, ED includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, all of which stem from an unhealthy relationship with food. Complex psychopathology underlies ED behaviour, which can be detrimental to both mental and physical health, explains Louw. It is important to remember that ultimately food is not the problem; it is the patient’s relationship with food and with her/himself. This is what must be addressed during treatment.

Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. Self-starvation may lead to abnormally slow heart rate, low blood pressure, reduction of bone density and severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure. People who restrict their diets often suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which they believe are due to allergies. This imbalance in the body can impact [on] the heart and other major organ functions, leading to irregular heartbeats and possible heart failure. Likewise, bulimia results in electrolyte imbalances, heart irregularities, and severe damage to the oesophagus, while overeating can lead to many physical and medical problems, e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea.”

Louw says anyone can develop an ED. While evidence suggests a genetic basis, sociocultural influences

such as impossible beauty ideals that can result in severe body dissatisfaction.

Certain personality traits, including perfectionism, neuroticism, obsessive compulsiveness and low self-esteem may also increase the likelihood of an ED. It is probable that an interaction between all risk factors creates the perfect storm’”. She says psychotherapy or counselling, attention to nutritional and medical needs from a dietician and doctor, and family therapy is recommended. Because this illness is so manipulative and dishonest, group therapy is the most effective.

Treatment is possible as an in- or outpatient. Early intervention and diagnosis can help to speed up recovery. It’s likely to take up to seven years until ED patients are able to fully overcome ED thinking.” , / * . $ * ! $ $ % ! $ * 1 $ $* * 2 ! ! * 3 " * 4 % * +5 * 1 $ ! ! 5 *

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