5 Ways to Help Patients With Eating Disorders Deal With Their Condition and Promote Well-Being

Supporting someone suffering from any type of eating disorder could be a game-changer for them. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), eating disorders affect about 9% of the world population and about 10,000 people die from it every year in the United States.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has led to an increase in eating disorders cases based on the results of a study published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry. Therefore, the person closest to the patient plays a vital role in paying attention and identifying risk factors or signs. To do so, they need to be educated on the disorder.

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Isabelle Caro, 27, had her naked form captured by controversial photographer Oliviero Toscani for Flash & Partners' Italian clothing company's label Nolita. They have said they are running a "campaign" to raise the issue of the fashion industry's responsibility for anorexia.

Eating Disorders: Definition and Different Types

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines eating disorders as behavioral conditions marked by a severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors linked to thoughts and emotions. Sometimes it can be so severe that it adversely affects the person's physical, psychological, and social functions

The different types of eating disorders include the following:

Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorder
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder
Pica
Rumination Disorder

Eating disorders are often developed during adolescence and young adulthood. In this period, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are more common in women but may also occur in men and at any age. These disorders are often liked to preoccupation with food, weight, body shape, and anxiety.

Behaviors usually observed in eating disorders include restrictive eating or avoidance, binge eating, purging through the use of laxatives or vomiting, and compulsive exercise.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Eating Disorder Increased Among Youth During Pandemic; Who Are These Young People?

5 Ways to Help People With Eating Disorders

Kristin Rogers wrote in CNN Health some tips to help people with eating disorders.

1. Know the signs. This starts with knowing the signs of the disorder, especially when changes in body weight become apparent and the person is primarily suffering from these changes or is becoming more concerned about food. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) said that some coon signs are changes in a person's emotions, behavior, and physical appearance.

2. Rehearse your statement before confronting a loved one. Rehearsing what to say to a loved one can help people with eating disorders. Set a schedule to talk with them and use factual "I" statements, such as saying "Hey, I noticed that you're fixated or that you're talking more about dieting," or 'I noticed that you're uncomfortable eating in front of people. Please know that I'm here to offer that support should you ever need it."

Admittedly, many of them would be defensive of the educated advice and some would even get angry. Nonetheless, repeat your concerns and tell the person that you care, and leave the conversation open.

3. Advice them to seek professional help. Encourage people with eating disorders to seek professional help to heal. Recommend some physician or therapist, especially to those who are ready to start their recovery journey. Getting treatment as soon as possible increases their chances of getting treated.

4. Remind them of the reasons they need to get well. Every person has a reason why they want to recover from eating disorder. It could be due to their loved ones or activities they could do once they reconnect with their values or realigned their goals and habits.

5. Be careful with your words. Do not say things that might trigger their anxiety. Do not judge them with how they eat and do not let them hear you criticize your own body or anybody else because people with eating disorders are in competition with everybody else's body.