Pathfit Eating Disorder
Pathfit Eating Disorder
Pathfit Eating Disorder
EATING DISORDER
According to (Fairbum & Walsh, 2024) it is a constant disturbance of eating
behaviour or behaviour intended to control weight, which significantly impairs
physical health or psychosocial functioning. This disturbance should not be secondary
to any recognized general medical disorder (e.g., a hypothalamic tumor) or any other
psychiatric disorder (e.g., an anxiety disorder). In other words, it's an ongoing
disruption in eating habits or behaviours aimed at controlling weight, which
significantly harms physical health or social functioning. This disturbance isn't caused
by any known medical condition or psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety or a
hypothalamic tumor. It often involves extreme behaviours, like severe food restriction,
binge eating, or purging, which can lead to serious health complications if not
addressed. The impact extends beyond just physical health, affecting emotional well-
being and social interactions, making early intervention critical.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric disorder characterized by an intense
fear of gaining weight, leading to self-imposed starvation and excessive weight loss.
Individuals with AN often maintain a body weight significantly below normal levels
and have a distorted body image, placing excessive importance on their shape and
weight for self-esteem. The disorder has profound biological, psychological, and
social consequences (Bulik et al., 2005)
❖ CAUSES
➔ PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTOR : Psychological causes of anorexia can
include feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, and
perfectionism. Appearing thin is often equated with self-worth, and
societal pressures can exacerbate these feelings. Individuals may resort
to restrictive eating as a way to gain control over their bodies, especially
during stressful periods (Anorexia Nervosa: What to Know, 2024)
➔ BIOLOGICAL PRESSURE : There may be genetic predispositions
that make certain individuals more susceptible to developing anorexia.
Factors such as abnormal functioning of brain chemicals that control
hunger and mood can play a role, suggesting that the disorder may have
hereditary aspects.(Anorexia Nervosa: What to Know, 2024b)
➔ SOCIAL PRESSURE : Social pressures, particularly from media
portrayals of ideal body types, can also contribute to the development of
anorexia. Many people are influenced by societal expectations related to
body image, which may lead them to engage in harmful eating
behaviors.
❖ EFFECTS:
➔ PHYSICAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES : The physical
consequences of anorexia are severe and can include long-term health
problems stemming from malnutrition. Complications may involve
weakened bones, heart problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
(Website, 2024) Anorexia can lead to life-threatening situations,
including severe electrolyte imbalances leading to death, either from
medical complications or suicide. Website (2024b)
➔ MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT : The psychological effects of anorexia
include a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health issues such as
depression, anxiety, and increased suicidal ideation. The relentless focus
on body image and weight can further deteriorate mental health and self-
esteem.
❖ EXAMPLE:
Emily, a 16-year-old girl, becomes increasingly insecure about her body after
constant exposure to "perfect" body images on social media and hurtful
comments from her family:
“Baga ka na hin baboy”
“It ak pagkaon, ginkukuha mo na ada”
“Lamot ka siguro, asya baga ka na hin baboy”
Desperate to change, she begins a dangerous "diet," drastically restricting her
food intake, often surviving on just an egg a day. Over time, her health
deteriorates—she experiences exhaustion, hair loss, pale skin, irregular
heartbeats, and constant guilt after eating. What she thought would give her
control now consumes her, leaving her weak and wondering if it’s too late to
recover from the damage she’s done to her body.
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening
eating disorder. People with bulimia binge eat. This means people feel like they've lost
control over their eating. They eat large amounts of food in one sitting. This often
occurs in secret, and they often feel very guilty and shameful. Then they try to get rid
of the food and extra calories in an unhealthy way, such as vomiting or misusing
laxatives. This is called purging.
❖ CAUSES:
➔ PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS : Low self-esteem and body image
dissatisfaction contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors. And
perfectionism and unrealistic high expectations regarding weight and
appearance may intensify these issues.
➔ SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES : Societal pressures,
particularly from media and social media, promote unrealistic beauty
standards. The representation of "thin ideals" in fashion and advertising
fosters dissatisfaction with one’s body.
➔ BIOLOGICAL FACTORS : Genetic predispositions, often found in
family histories, increase susceptibility to eating disorders. Also
hormonal imbalances affecting appetite regulation and chemical
imbalances in the brain (especially related to serotonin) also play
significant roles.
➔ ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS : Traumatic experiences, such as
bullying or loss, can lead individuals to adopt unhealthy coping
mechanisms, including disordered eating. And family environments that
place excessive emphasis on appearance or thinness further reinforce
these unhealthy behaviors.
➔ DIETING : Extreme dieting or caloric restriction can initiate cycles of
bingeing and purging. Such behaviors complicate the relationship with
food and elevate the risk of developing eating disorders.
❖ EFFECTS:
➔ DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DAMAG : Frequent vomiting can irritate/tear
the esophagus, cause reflux, constipation, and abdominal pain. Risk of
gastric rupture from excessive bingeing, which can be fatal.
➔ DENTAL PROBLEMS : Stomach acid from vomiting erodes tooth
enamel, causing decay, sensitivity, and gum disease. Frequent purging
can cause mouth sores and enlarged salivary glands (puffy appearance).
➔ INCREASED DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY : Often co-occurs with
bulimia, exacerbating feelings of distress.
➔ BODY DYSMORPHIA : A distorted perception of body image,
leading to a cycle of negative self-evaluation.
➔ LOW SELF- ESTEEM : Persistent feelings of worthlessness can
develop, impacting daily functioning.
❖ EXAMPLE
Emily, a 19-year-old student, often eats large amounts of junk food in one
sitting, feeling out of control during these episodes. Overcome with guilt and
fear of gaining weight, she forces herself to vomit afterward. This cycle
happens multiple times a week, leaving her feeling ashamed and anxious about
her body.
❖ CAUSES
➔ GENETICS - Genetics can contribute to binge eating disorder by
influencing brain chemistry and how the body regulates hunger and
satiety. Certain genetic variations may increase sensitivity to stress or
reward, making individuals more prone to using food for emotional
comfort. Additionally, hereditary factors can affect impulse control,
making it harder for some people to regulate their eating behavior.
➔ DIETING : Restrictive eating often triggers intense food cravings and
feelings of deprivation. When individuals eventually give in to these
cravings, they may overeat in response to the psychological and physical
stress caused by the restriction. This cycle of restriction and
overindulgence can reinforce unhealthy eating patterns and lead to binge
eating episodes.
➔ PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES : such as anxiety, depression, and low
self-esteem can lead individuals to use food as a coping mechanism,
resulting in binge eating. Emotional distress often triggers episodes of
overeating, where individuals may feel a temporary sense of relief or
escape from their problems. Additionally, negative body image and
societal pressures can exacerbate these feelings, making it more difficult
for individuals to maintain healthy eating habits.
❖ EFFECTS
➔ HEART DISEASE: Binge eating leads to weight gain, which strains
the heart and increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Consuming unhealthy, high-fat, and sugary foods damages arteries and
raises the risk of heart disease.
➔ TYPE 2 DIABETES: Binge eating, especially of sugary or high-carb
foods, can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which over time increases
the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Excessive eating often leads to
weight gain and insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to
regulate blood sugar. This constant strain on the body’s ability to
manage glucose can lead to diabetes and related health problems.
❖ EXAMPLE
Mark is a 28-year-old man who has struggled with his relationship with food
since his teenage years. Growing up, he was often teased about his weight,
which led him to feel insecure and self-conscious about his body. Over time,
Mark developed a habit of turning to food as a way to comfort himself,
especially during moments of stress, sadness, or loneliness.