What is an Eating Disorder
The term eating disorder is a broad label for a number of problems we face with food in our society. While many of us slip into overeating or comfort eating, for some the problem goes to life-threatening extremes.
In both anorexia nervosa and bulimia, there is a deep fear of being overweight that leads to an obsession about restricting the number of calories the person is taking in. This leads to an extreme state of starvation, which in turn has a number of effects on the body’s functions and hormone production.
More complicated in bulimia, the person still finds comfort in the feeling of being full, but dreads taking on the extra calories. This is when they may self-induce vomiting, causing long-term issues for the throat and teeth, as well as psychological problems.
Behaviour common in those affected by eating disorders includes:
- · Mentally keeping a balance between calories taken in and calories used up
- · Deep-seated feelings of anxiety if they consume a few calories too many
- · Self-loathing, depression or panic if they haven’t lost any weight or put a little on, despite their best efforts
Many anorexics and bulimics have researched the issue of diet quite deeply and know the damage they are doing to themselves but are still unable to stop, making the feelings of despair and self-loathing even worse, which in turn causes their condition to continue.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
Downloads
Quotes
"I gradually began to lose weight through heavily restricting my food, and exercising excessively. I lost weight – a lot, but I failed to feel like I had achieved anything"
Imogen
MoreSend us your QuotesTips & Hints
Eat Meals with Family or Friends
A person who is anxious about eating will feel more comfortable doing so among other people they trust, such as family or friends. This...MoreKeep a Food Diary
Keep a food diary of what you eat and when you eat it to help you focus on eating regularly. Also record any episodes of going without ...MoreTake Regular Exercise
Studies have shown exercise to have a positive effect on low self-esteem and poor body image, which are widely cited as being contribut...MoreBe Patient
Unhealthy relationships with food do not develop overnight, and it can take many months and even years to regain full control over your...MoreEat Healthy Foods
The types of foods we eat are important. We all like to indulge in our favourite foods every once in a while, but we should also eat as...More More Tips & Hints