Unfortunately, health complications related to eating disorders can be fatal.

Anorexia nervosamay have the highest mortality rate of eating disorders that have been studied.

Mental Health and Eating Disorders

The link between eating disorders and other mental illnesses is strong.

In some cases, the symptoms of a pre-existing condition worsen because of an eating disorder.

They may feel stressed and alone as a result of their eating disorder.

They may also feelguiltandshame.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a significant risk that people with anorexia and bulimia face.

However, this is a dangerous and potentially fatal practice.

People with binge eating disorder and bulimia can experience malnutrition as well.

Malnutrition is linked with long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease, which can be fatal.

There are also negative mental health effects linked with malnutrition such as depression and anxiety.

Refeeding Syndrome

Refeeding syndrome can occur in people with anorexia who receive artificial feeding to treat malnutrition.

Suicide

Suicide is a major concern for those with all types of eating disorders.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Treatment Types

Fortunately, there are many options when it comes totreating eating disorders.

Treatment Centers

There are different types of treatment centers for eating disorders.

Residential treatment centers provideinpatient careor 24-hour supervision.

These centers are for people who require care around the clock, but who are medically stable.

Treatment centers usually provide a team of specialists to work on each person’s case.

However, it’s still important that a person seeks treatment atany stageof their eating disorder.

Prozac is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat bulimia and binge eating disorder.

This antidepressant may help to reducebinge-purge episodes.

It works by increasingnorepinephrineanddopaminein the body, which may help regulate overeating.

You deserve to receive adequate treatment for your eating disorder.

It is common for people with eating disorders to believe that their behaviors surrounding food are not serious.

Eating Disorder Prevention

The first step toward eating disorder prevention is education.

Learning about different types of eating disorders can help diminish the stigma that people with eating disorders face.

Parents and caregivers can try keeping an open dialogue on food, weight, andbody imagewith their families.

Remember, kids notice if you criticize yourself based on your weight or your eating habits.

Celebrate yourself and others for talents, unique qualities, and individuality (not solely for appearance).

The Body Project, for instance, helps participants achieve body satisfaction and challenge society’s thin ideal.

Speak to a healthcare professional about potential triggers, such as getting weighed in at the doctor’s office.

Having an open dialoguewith loved ones, health professionals, and yourselfis important.

If you have a loved one with an eating disorder, gently encourage them to seek help.

Left untreated, the symptoms of eating disorders often worsen.

But eating disorders are treatable, and you’re able to recover.

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