Category: Science of Eating Disorders
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How to Identify an Eating Disorder in Your Patient (for providers)
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, around 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States alone will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. As a medical professional, it’s crucial to know how…
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Normal Weight Gain in Puberty
Puberty is a period of intense physical and emotional changes that occurs in both boys and girls. It is a time when the body undergoes significant growth and development, including an increase in height, muscle mass, and bone density. However, one of the most noticeable changes during puberty is weight gain. Many young people experience…
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The Flaws of BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure used to determine whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI is calculated by dividing an individual’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. Despite being widely used by medical professionals, BMI has several flaws that need to be considered. One…
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How the Starvation-Binge Cycle Works
The starvation-binge cycle is a cycle that many individuals who struggle with disordered eating patterns may experience. This cycle typically involves periods of restricting food intake, followed by episodes of overeating, or bingeing. This pattern can be distressing and can lead to negative physical and psychological outcomes. The cycle often starts with a period of…
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What Happens to Your Body When Your Purge
Purging, also known as self-induced vomiting, is a common behavior associated with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa. It involves intentionally expelling the contents of the stomach through vomiting or using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Purging is a harmful behavior that can have severe consequences on the body, both physically and mentally. When a person…
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What Happens to the Body During Starvation
Starvation is a condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients and energy to function properly. The human body is an amazing machine, and it has several mechanisms in place to deal with food scarcity. However, prolonged starvation can have severe consequences on the body. In this blog post, we will explore what…