Eating Disorder Awareness & How to Help
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can affect people of any age, gender or background, often leading to severe physical and emotional consequences if untreated. Eating disorders account for the loss of over 3.3 million healthy life years globally each year, underlining the severe impact these conditions have on individuals and public health systems.
This article explores common eating disorders, how to spot them in employees, and the steps employers can take to offer meaningful support.
What are the different types of eating disorders?
Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal eating habits and often stem from a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Below, we explore the most prevalent types of eating disorders:
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. This disorder has one of the highest mortality rates among mental health conditions, with severe cases leading to heart complications, malnutrition, and other health risks (National Eating Disorders Association, 2023).
- Symptoms: Dramatic weight loss, preoccupation with dieting, distorted body image, extreme fear of gaining weight, denial of hunger, abnormal, obsessive, or ritualized eating behaviors.
- Prevalence: Studies estimate that between 1% and 4.2% of women experience anorexia at some point in their lives.
Anorexia vs. Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia and anorexia nervosa are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
Anorexia, in its general sense, refers to a medical condition characterized by a loss of appetite or an inability to eat. It can be a symptom of various illnesses, including infections, chronic diseases, or even psychological conditions unrelated to body image concerns.
On the other hand, anorexia nervosa is a specific psychological eating disorder with more complex roots. It involves an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image, leading individuals to restrict their food intake severely. Unlike general anorexia, anorexia nervosa is not about a lack of appetite but a deliberate effort to control food intake to achieve a perceived ideal body weight or shape. This condition is accompanied by a strong emotional and cognitive component.
Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging, excessive exercise or fasting. People with bulimia often feel a lack of control during binges, leading to guilt and shame. This behavior can result in physical health issues such as electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and dental erosion from frequent vomiting.
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting, to compensate for the calorie intake.
It is important to note that only 6% of individuals dealing with bulimia seek and receive treatment, highlighting a significant gap in access to or awareness of available support
- Symptoms: Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating, hiding food wrappers, and inflamed cheeks or jawline due to vomiting.
- Prevalence: The lifetime prevalence of bulimia nervosa is estimated to affect 1.7% to 2.0% of adult women and approximately 0.5% to 0.7% of adult men.
Binge eating
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) was officially recognized as a diagnosis in the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
BED involves consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often to cope with emotional distress, without subsequent purging.
- Symptoms: Eating rapidly, eating alone due to embarrassment, feelings of guilt after overeating.
- Prevelance: Current estimates suggest that BED affects approximately 1.5% of women and 0.3% of men globally, highlighting its prevalence as a significant mental health concern.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is a relatively newly recognized disorder characterized by avoidance of certain foods or food groups due to sensory characteristics, past negative experiences, or a lack of interest in eating. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not motivated by body image concerns, but it can still lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Symptoms: Nutritional deficiencies, dependence on supplements, and difficulty eating socially.
- Prevalence: Research on the prevalence of ARFID is limited, but estimates suggest that between 0.5% and 5% of children and adults in the general population are affected by the disorder.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
OSFED is a category for individuals whose symptoms do not fully match those of other disorders but still cause significant distress or impairment.
- Types of OSFED: Atypical anorexia, where weight remains within or above a healthy range, or night eating syndrome.
- Prevalence: It reported that, in 2019, OSFED accounted for 24.6 million cases globally, representing 44% of the 55.5 million total cases of eating disorders identified that year.
How to spot Eating Disorders in employees
Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder in the workplace can be challenging, as symptoms are often hidden. However, there are signs to watch for:
- Changes in behavior: Skipping meals during office hours or withdrawing from social events involving food.
- Physical signs: Noticeable weight changes, fatigue, or complaints of digestive problems.
- Emotional indicators: Increased irritability, low self-esteem or frequent comments about body image or food.
- Performance issues: Decreased concentration, absenteeism or reduced productivity.
Employers should approach any concerns with sensitivity, ensuring employees feel supported rather than judged.
How employers can support employees
Employers can create a supportive environment for employees dealing with eating disorders through a combination of awareness, education, and accessible resources.
Provide flexible working
Offering flexible working arrangements can help employees manage medical appointments or therapy sessions discreetly. Flexible schedules also allow individuals to focus on recovery without compromising their work responsibilities.
Be mindful of conversational language
Conversations around diet, exercise, and body image are common in the workplace but can be distressing for individuals with eating disorders. Avoiding weight-focused comments or discussions around “good” and “bad” foods can make the workplace a safer space.
Train mental health first aiders
Equip your workplace with trained mental health first aiders who can recognize the signs of eating disorders and provide initial support. These individuals can serve as trusted points of contact for employees seeking help.
Raise awareness & share resources about Eating Disorders
Employers can normalize discussions around eating disorders by providing resources, organizing awareness workshops, and creating a culture where employees feel safe seeking help. Simple efforts like posting helpline numbers, distributing informational pamphlets, or sharing Eating Disorder Awareness Week materials can go a long way in fostering awareness.
Offer an EAP
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential mental health support, which can be invaluable for employees coping with eating disorders. Through counseling, therapy referrals, and other resources, EAPs allow employees to seek help privately. EAPs, such as our EAP services, are a proactive way for employers to support employees’ mental health and well-being.
Our EAP services include access to mental health professionals trained to assist with eating disorders and other challenges. With 24/7 availability and support in multiple languages, our programs ensure employees feel heard and supported. Learn more about our tailored solutions here.
