It is
ironic how, on one hand, there are people who are perfectly content with
growing wider year after year, while on the other, there are those who are so
concerned about being thin that they would put their lives on the line.
Although
obesity is becoming more prevalent with affluence, eating disorders remain a
concern. In the United
States
In Singapore
AWARE has
an excellent page about the various types of eating disorders and their
symptoms.
Which
brings me to the point that despite AWARE’s feature on eating disorders,
commonly associated with women, this is one case where the men get it too.
According to http://www.something-fishy.org/cultural/issuesformen.php,
it has been estimated that 8 million people in the United States
are suffering from an Eating Disorder, and of that number, 10% are men. A news
report in 2010 also revealed that the number of men in Singapore
seeking help for eating disorders went up in prior years.
Some general signs of eating disorders include:
Behaviour:
Behaviour:
- Obsession with body image or weight
- Avoiding social situations where there is food involved
- Excessive exercising
- Dieting even when thin
- Going to the bathroom frequently right after meals
- Social withdrawal
- Moodiness and irritability
- Eating a lot when stressed or unhappy. This tends to end in the toilet when all the food is being vomited out due to guilt.
Physical:
- Drastic changes in weight
- Looking ill
- Dry and brittle hair
- Loss of menstrual period in girls
- Blisters on knuckles and fingers from sticking fingers down their throats
If
you suspect that your loved one as an eating disorder, do not be too quick to
pressure him or her to go to the doctor. This may backfire and cause the person
to avoid you and even attempt to hide his symptoms. Eating disorder patients
often have the tendency to be in denial. If the condition has not reached a
life-threatening stage, it is essential to gain the person’s trust. Show that
you care and provide a listening ear. Reassure them about the importance of
inner beauty over outer beauty. Give useful advice about dieting healthily.
Provide positive distractions by inviting them to engage in social activities.
Should
medical help be required, there are several avenues in Singapore that
you can turn to. Many hospitals have a dedicated Eating Disorder treatment
programme. SGH has a full programme that includes counselling and dieting
advice to ensure complete recovery.
Here
are some helplines you can use to request advice and assistance:
Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) Eating Disorders Helpline: 1800-774-5935
Singapore Association of Mental Health (Support for Eating Disorders Singapore SEDS) Helpline: 1800 283 7019
Other sources:
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