Many people have gone on diets or tried to lose weight. However, for those with eating disorders, weight loss efforts have severe consequences. They lose weight by fasting, purging and/or exercising excessively. They become so preoccupied with their body image and eating habits that they may develop serious health problems, or even die.
Although eating disorders are more common in females, it can also happen to males, and it usually starts during adolescence or early adult life.
There are two main types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
Getting help
If you or someone you know is having problems with their eating behaviours, or are feeling unsure, seek professional help by contacting CHAT for a mental health check, or approach:
- Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Eating Disorders Programme
This is a dedicated treatment programme for the management of eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder. The programme addresses the physical and psychosocial problems commonly associated with eating disorders through a holistic approach, in safe a environment.
For more information, please visit their website.
Practical tips for managing eating disorders
- Identify the emotional need that your eating behaviour is trying to fulfil.
Are you upset, stressed lonely, or disappointed about something? Are you trying to regain a sense of control? Perhaps you are eating to avoid an intense feeling, or to calm down? Once you’ve identified the emotion that you’re seeking to fulfil, then you can start considering alternatives ways of coping with these emotional need(s). - Stick to a regular eating schedule.
Instead of skipping meals or fasting, plan to eat three regular meals a day and get someone to join you! - Make a list of your positive qualities (and maybe, a list of negative qualities that you DON’T have).
