The Impact of Eating Disorders on Physical and Mental Health
This week is eating disorder awareness week. Millions of people will struggle with an eating disorder in their lifetime and the most important thing to do in this situation is to get early treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder our dedicated providers can help you implement a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Eating disorders affect millions of people and have unfortunately become normalized in society. However, an eating disorder can cause long term damage now just on your physical health but your mental health as well. Whether you are personally struggling with an eating disorder or are supporting a loved one with one, taking action to address the disorder is crucial for overall well-being. At NY Health, we offer a range of treatments and support to help patients overcome their disorder and achieve better health
Consequences on Physical Health
Eating disorders can have severe and potentially irreversible effects on physical health. An eating disorder can also cause general physical problems such as feeling cold, poor concentration, and feeling slow or sluggish. However some parts of your body are at more of a risk if your eating disorder is not treated. Some of these parts of your body include your heart, your hormones, your digestive system and your brain. It is important to seek treatment for an eating disorder in order to protect overall physical health.
One of the greatest physical concerns for people struggling with eating disorders is heart problems. Without the proper nutrients your body needs your heart can’t do its job properly. Some issues that can arise when this happens include abnormal heart rhythms, enlarging of the heart, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death and low blood pressure. It is essential to address eating disorders and ensure that the body is receiving proper nourishment to maintain heart health.
Consequences on Mental Health
Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. This is because eating disorders have both psychological and physical components, with the brain playing a significant role in the development and manifestation of the disorder.
Eating disorders can also cause an obsessive focus on body weight, shape, and eating habits, leading to negative impacts on relationships, work, and leisure activities. This can contribute to feelings of isolation, making it important for individuals struggling with eating disorders to seek support from loved ones and seek treatment as soon as possible
The Importance of Seeking Treatment
Struggling with an eating disorder is unique among mental health disorders because of the physical manifestation and health issues it causes. But because of this the sooner treatment is received the better the outcome may be. Seeking and receiving treatment can not only help you heal from your eating disorder but also help you understand it. In eating disorder treatment patients are taught how to view their eating disorder from a psychological standpoint, and see where it stems from. This helps because it allows patients to know what to look for if they begin struggling with an eating disorder again, which is learning health coping mechanisms.
Struggling with an eating disorder can feel isolating and scary. Seeking treatment is so important in a situation like this to not only help your mental health but also your long term physical health.
Make an appointment today with one of our primary care providers by calling 631-758-7003.