Eating disorders: more than just an obsession with thinness

Zakaria, Rozanizam (2022) Eating disorders: more than just an obsession with thinness. The Health, 5 (40). p. 22. ISSN 2600-9188

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Abstract

The term Anorexia Nervosa was first coined in 1868 by the English physician, William Gull, who described in his scientific article regarding its causative factors, principle of management and role of family in the treatment. However, it was not until after the late 1970s, the phenomenon of eating disorders that highlight the nature of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa became more apparent. This was most likely contributed by the increase in awareness about the disorder by the public, especially after many cases involving public figures became known. Unfortunately, in reality, eating disorders remain under-recognised and it is estimated that only 12% of bulimia nervosa and 45% of anorexia nervosa were detected at primary care level. A group of mental illnesses known as eating disorders include actual, life-threatening illnesses with potentially deadly outcomes. The reality of these diseases goes beyond their label, which emphasises the issue with eating. It encompasses distressing feelings, thoughts, and actions related to food, size, and weight. Numerous factors, including biological, psychological, and societal ones, are known to contribute to its occurrence. Eating disorders can genuinely afflict anyone of any gender, age, race, religion, or ethnicity, contrary to popular misconceptions that they mainly affect women of a particular socioeconomic class and demographic. According to estimates, up to 20 million women and 10 million men will experience eating disorders at some point in their lives. Warning signs of these disorders can occur in the form of emotional as well as physical changes. Emotional signs include weight loss, dieting, and control of food become primary concerns. The individuals affected would also manifest certain food rituals such as avoiding certain food or occasions related to eating activities. Obsession over appearance, body image, body checking, social withdrawals and extreme mood swings are some other examples. Due to the impact of problematic eating patterns, affected individuals may also manifest some physical changes such as noticeable weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness upon standing, issues with dental, skin, hair, and nail health.

Item Type:	Article (Magazine)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Mental Health
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry
Depositing User:	Dr Rozanizam Zakaria
Date Deposited:	17 Oct 2022 09:14
Last Modified:	17 Oct 2022 09:23
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/100658

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