Gangguan makan

Gambaran umum

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve unhealthy eating habits and a troubled relationship with food, weight, and body image.

Yes, eating disorders are common. In the UK, around 1.25 million people have an eating disorder. They affect people worldwide and are among the most serious mental health conditions.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but they are most often diagnosed in teenagers and young adults, especially women. However, they also affect men, older adults, and children.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• Severely restricting food or calories
• Binge eating (eating large amounts in a short time)
• Purging behaviors like self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives
• Intense fear of gaining weight or being fat
• Distorted body image (seeing yourself as overweight when you are not)
• Preoccupation with food, dieting, or exercise

Gejala pada anak-anak

• Refusing to eat certain foods or skipping meals
• Unexplained weight loss or failure to gain weight as expected
• Frequent comments about being fat or wanting to be thinner
• Avoiding social situations that involve food
• Increased irritability or mood swings around meals

Gejala pada lansia

• Changes in eating habits not explained by other health conditions
• Unexplained weight loss
• Depression or anxiety about body changes with age
• Using extreme diets or supplements
• Social withdrawal, especially from meals

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• Genetics – a family history of eating disorders or mental illness can increase risk
• Psychological factors like perfectionism, low self-esteem, or anxiety
• Social and cultural pressures to be thin or have a certain body shape

Faktor risiko

• Being a young woman, though men and people of all genders are affected
• Having a history of dieting or weight-related teasing
• Traumatic life events like abuse or loss
• Participating in sports or professions that emphasize weight (e.g., ballet, gymnastics, modeling)
• Having a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger due to severe weight loss, fainting, chest pain, or thoughts of suicide – call your local emergency number right away.

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• If you are worried about your eating habits or body image and they are interfering with your daily life
• If you notice a loved one avoiding meals, losing weight rapidly, or expressing extreme fear of weight gain
• If you have tried to stop harmful eating behaviors but can’t do it alone

Diagnosis

A doctor or mental health professional will ask about your eating habits, thoughts, and feelings about food and body image. They may use questionnaires and check your physical health to rule out other causes.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Physical exam including weight and height measurements
• Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances
• Heart function tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG) if needed
• Psychological assessment by a specialist

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

The diagnosis process is thorough but supportive. You will have time to share your story. The goal is to understand your symptoms and provide the right care. You may be referred to a specialist team that includes doctors, therapists, and dietitians.

Perawatan

Treatment for eating disorders usually involves talking therapies, medical care, and nutritional support. The goal is to restore healthy eating habits, address underlying emotional issues, and prevent serious health problems.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Educate yourself about eating disorders from reliable sources like the NHS website
• Keep a food and mood diary to understand triggers
• Avoid weighing yourself too often
• Practice self-compassion and challenge negative thoughts about your body
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress, like walking, art, or talking to a friend

Perawatan medis

Medical treatment is guided by a healthcare team. It may include psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (especially for young people), or interpersonal therapy. In some cases, medications may be offered to treat depression or anxiety that often occurs alongside eating disorders. Hospitalization may be needed if weight loss is severe or there are medical complications. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you.

Kapan operasi dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is not a treatment for eating disorders. However, in some cases of severe obesity that involves binge eating disorder, weight loss surgery may be considered after mental health treatment, but it is not a first-line treatment.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

Living with an eating disorder can be challenging, but with support, you can take steps toward recovery. Focus on building a routine that includes regular meals, support from others, and self-care activities.

Tips gaya hidup

• Plan meals with a dietitian to ensure balanced nutrition
• Join a support group to connect with others who understand
• Limit exposure to social media or content that promotes unhealthy body standards
• Find activities you enjoy that are not focused on appearance or exercise

Diet dan olahraga

Work with a professional to develop a healthy eating plan that meets your needs. Exercise should be done for enjoyment and health, not as a way to control weight. Avoid excessive or compulsive exercise.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

Eating disorders often go hand in hand with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Therapy can help address these issues. It’s important to be patient with yourself – recovery takes time.

Pencegahan

While it may not always be possible to prevent eating disorders, promoting a healthy body image, avoiding dieting talk, and addressing mental health concerns early can reduce the risk.

Program skrining

There is no routine screening test for eating disorders, but doctors may screen if they notice warning signs. You can also use self-screening tools online from reputable organizations to decide if you need help.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• Severe malnutrition and organ damage
• Heart problems like irregular rhythm or heart failure
• Bone density loss (osteoporosis)
• Fertility problems
• Increased risk of death from medical complications or suicide

Prospek jangka panjang

With early treatment and support, many people recover from eating disorders. Recovery is a journey, and relapses can happen, but with professional help and a strong support system, you can lead a full and healthy life. Never lose hope – you are not alone.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) ↗
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – US ↗

Organisasi lokal

• Beat ↗ · UK
• Eating Disorders Queensland ↗ · Australia

Saluran bantuan

Tautan eksternal membuka situs web pihak ketiga. Ruqelo Health tidak bertanggung jawab atas konten eksternal. Mencantumkan organisasi tidak berarti dukungan.