EATING DISORDERS

EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders are serious disturbances in eating behavior that significantly affect both physical and psychological health. At our clinic in Marbella, we have specialists dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders, including the most common conditions: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

The main characteristic of these disorders is an excessive preoccupation with weight, food, and body image. Eating habits become distorted, leading to either overeating or severe restriction. These behaviors can result in digestive, cardiac, bone, oral, or dental health complications.

TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS AND SYMPTOMS

Anorexia Nervosa

Characterized by severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia often experience significant weight loss or maintain a body weight well below what is expected for their age and height.

Warning signs may include:

• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight, even at a low body weight

• Distorted body image: seeing oneself as overweight despite being underweight

• Severe restriction of food intake

• Absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles in women (amenorrhea)

• Depressive symptoms (frequent crying, irritability, low mood, sleep problems, loss of sexual desire, social withdrawal)

• Anxiety symptoms (panic attacks, generalized anxiety)

• Phobias (fear of certain “fattening” foods or fear of weight gain)

• Obsessions (constant thoughts about calories, body image, meals)

• Physical symptoms (constipation, abdominal pain, dry skin with lanugo, bradycardia, fainting, arrhythmias, missed periods)

• Excessive physical activity

Bulimia Nervosa

Involves recurrent episodes of binge eating within a short period, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or extreme exercise. Fear of gaining weight and harsh self-criticism about body image are common.

Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia may have a normal weight or even be slightly overweight.

Symptoms include:

• Recurrent binge-eating episodes (consuming unusually large amounts of food in a short time, accompanied by a lack of control)

• Compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or laxative abuse

• Self-esteem heavily influenced by weight and body shape

• Physical symptoms: stomach pain, constipation, dental problems, calluses on hands, weight fluctuations, dizziness, hair loss

• Emotional symptoms: anxiety, mood instability, depression, self-harm, phobias, low self-esteem, irritability, mood swings, low frustration tolerance

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Defined by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled overeating, often continuing until feeling uncomfortably full, followed by feelings of guilt and shame. Unlike bulimia, BED does not include compensatory behaviors.

Often associated with overweight or obesity, long histories of dieting, depression, and reduced work or academic performance.

Symptoms include:

• Recurrent binge-eating episodes with loss of control

• Eating much faster than normal or until feeling uncomfortably full

• Eating large amounts of food without feeling physically hungry

• Eating alone out of embarrassment about food intake

• Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after binge episodes

• Significant distress caused by these episodes

Other Eating Disorders

• Pica: Persistent eating of non-food substances (e.g., dirt, chalk, hair) for at least one month. Common in children, pregnant women, or individuals with intellectual disabilities.

• Rumination Disorder: Repeated regurgitation of food after eating, not due to a medical condition. Food may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out.

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Limited food intake not related to body image concerns, but to lack of interest in eating, sensory sensitivities, or fear of choking or vomiting.

• Orthorexia: Not officially classified as an eating disorder, but characterized by an obsession with eating only “healthy” foods, leading to dangerous dietary restrictions.

Getting Help

If you think you may be struggling with an eating disorder, you may feel emotionally unstable, find it difficult to perform well at work or school, and notice that your life revolves around the scale. Low self-esteem and constant preoccupation with food or body image can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face this alone.

At our clinic, with the PsiqueFunciona method, we help you restore healthy eating habits, rebuild your confidence, and recover your psychological and physical well-being.

✨ Contact us today to begin your recovery with psychological therapy, nutritional counseling, and ongoing support.

📞 Call us: +34 672 11 50 83 / 951 765 549