Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect eating behaviours, body image, emotional wellbeing, and physical health. These conditions are often associated with distressing thoughts and emotions related to food, weight, appearance, and self-worth.
Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and body types. They are not simply about food or appearance, but are often linked to deeper emotional, psychological, and social difficulties. Without appropriate treatment, eating disorders can lead to significant physical health complications as well as emotional distress.
Eating disorders commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, or substance use difficulties.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and persistent efforts to restrict food intake or prevent weight gain. Individuals may severely limit eating, exercise excessively, or engage in other behaviours aimed at controlling weight.
Common features may include:
Restrictive eating patterns
Significant weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
Distorted body image
Intense fear of gaining weight
Excessive exercise
Emotional distress related to eating or appearance
If left untreated, anorexia nervosa can result in serious medical complications affecting the heart, bones, hormones, and overall physical functioning.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves repeated episodes of binge eating followed by behaviours aimed at compensating for food intake, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Symptoms may include:
Episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period
Feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control around eating
Purging behaviours after eating
Preoccupation with weight or appearance
Emotional distress related to body image
Bulimia can contribute to dehydration, digestive problems, electrolyte imbalances, dental complications, and other serious health concerns.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by repeated episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food while experiencing a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes are not regularly followed by purging behaviours.
Symptoms may include:
Eating rapidly or beyond the point of fullness
Eating in response to emotional distress
Feelings of shame or guilt after eating
Difficulty controlling eating behaviours
Emotional distress related to food and body image
Without support, binge eating disorder may contribute to emotional distress and medical complications such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
What Contributes to Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex conditions that usually develop due to a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. These may include:
Genetics and family history
Low self-esteem or poor body image
Perfectionism or high self-criticism
Anxiety, depression, or obsessive traits
Trauma or emotional distress
Family conflict or relationship difficulties
Social and cultural pressures related to appearance or weight
Eating disorders are not a matter of willpower or choice. They are mental health conditions that require compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
Assessment and Treatment
Early intervention is important, as eating disorders can significantly affect both physical and emotional health.
Following a comprehensive assessment, Dr Chawane works collaboratively with patients to develop an individualised treatment plan that addresses both psychological wellbeing and physical health needs.
Treatment may include:
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Nutritional support and psychoeducation
Medication management where appropriate
Emotional regulation and coping strategies
Treatment of co-existing mental health conditions
Multidisciplinary support and specialist referrals
Treatment often involves a collaborative approach that may include psychologists, dietitians, general practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to support recovery and long-term wellbeing.
When to Seek Help
If eating behaviours, body image concerns, or thoughts about food and weight are causing distress or affecting daily functioning, seeking professional support may help provide understanding, treatment, and recovery support. With appropriate care, many individuals are able to rebuild a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves.
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A space for open, thoughtful conversations about mental health, identity, and everyday lived experience. Through the podcast, Dr Chawane shares insights, stories, and psychoeducation aimed at reducing stigma and making mental health more accessible.
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