Pressure to lose weight can lead to eating disorders

Eating disorders are commonly associated with weight loss regimens. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are so popular that it’s what people usually look out for; but the most prevalent eating disorder is EDNOS or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

EDNOS is a little bit more complicated. Unlike Anorexia wherein the patient is at a very low weight and is not eating at all or Bulimia wherein the person regularly binges and purges, EDNOS is not easily spotted.

Eating disorders are commonly associated with weight loss regimens

Eating disorders are commonly associated with weight loss regimens

 

Like all people with eating disorders, there is a constant fear and guilt that root to food when you have EDNOS. A person who has EDNOS has symptoms of either Anorexia or Bulimia or both but not quite completing all the symptoms in the list. For example, the person may show symptoms of Anorexia but will not meet the weight criteria to be Anorexic. Another sign is when a person shows a compulsive behavior in her choice of food.

There are many complications to having EDNOS; people with EDNOS are at risk of possible heart complications due to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, loss of potassium minerals and vital vitamins. A few sudden deaths caused by the condition have been recorded.

At first glance, a person with EDNOS shows no sign of abnormality. They look normal and they seem to eat normally. Most of the battle happens in the psychological:  Consistent hearing of voices in their heads regarding the food they ate, panic and anxiety attacks at grocery stores, isolation from friends and family and stress attacks and irrational aversions to the sight of food are just some of the many things that they go through.

Teenage girls are most likely susceptible to EDNOS eating-disorder as the pressure from peers and environment to keep slim is huge. And because there’s an abundance of resources on crash diets and fad diets, it’s so easy for these impressionable youngsters to risk their health going through these diets despite warnings from nutritionists and doctors.

There are no specific treatments lined for EDNOS just yet. The opportunity for intervention presents itself in the preventive when self-esteem and confidence are built up in the company of loving family and friends while they’re still young.

Here’s a video from ABC News Nightline to help you understand EDNOS more:

Desire for Weight Loss Can Cause EDNOS


Exercise and dieting is the most effective way for weight loss, but it should be approached with proper caution and motivation. It is most advisable to consult a nutritionist from time to time regarding your food regulation. Should you start experiencing guilt, anxieties and fears relating to your weight, food intake or shape, consult a physician right away.

Want to experience weight loss in the safest, healthiest and enjoyable way? Register with Dangerously fit bootcamps.