When eating becomes excessively unbalanced and unhealthy, a person could be dealing with an eating disorder. People suffer from a variety of unhealthy eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and restrictive food intake. Symptoms vary, but commonly, eating is associated with or followed by psychological distress.

Common Symptoms of Eating Disorders

• Self-starvation
• Binge eating
• Purging
• Obsessive thoughts surrounding food
• Distorted self-image
• Constant extreme dieting
• Consumption of laxatives
• Consumption of appetite suppressants

Causes

Eating disorders are likely caused by environmental or cultural factors. Obsession with body weight is prevalent in society, and coexisting mental health conditions, such as depression, can exacerbate this preoccupation.

Treatment

Psychotherapy is perhaps the best treatment available to those dealing with unhealthy eating. A therapist can improve a client’s relationship with food and can help the client seek any underlying cause.

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