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What is the relation between eating disorders and body dysmorphia disorder?

Leif Sebley

There is a very strong relationship between eating disorders and body dysmorphia disorder. In fact, it can be said that body dysmorphia disorder is one of the biggest triggers for eating disorders in young people today.

Body dysmorphia disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to obsess over their appearance. They may feel that they are too overweight, too thin, too tall, too short, or have any other number of perceived flaws. They may spend hours each day staring at themselves in the mirror, comparing themselves to others, or trying out different diets and workout plans.

For people with body dysmorphia disorder, their perception of their appearance is often completely distorted. They may feel that they are too large when in reality they are underweight, or that they are too thin when in reality they are quite healthy. This distorted perception of themselves can be incredibly damaging to their mental health and self-esteem.

For people with body dysmorphia disorder, one common way of trying to fix their perceived flaws is through dieting and exercise. They may become obsessed with restricting their food intake, counting calories, or compulsively exercising in an effort to change their appearance. This is where the link between body dysmorphia disorder and eating disorders comes in.

Eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions that are characterized by abnormal eating behaviors. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. People with these conditions may exhibit a range of symptoms, including restricted food intake, binging and purging, or compulsive overeating.

In many ways, eating disorders are a physical manifestation of the mental health struggles that come with body dysmorphia disorder. People with eating disorders may feel that they need to change their appearance in order to fit in, be accepted, or feel good about themselves. They may use food as a coping mechanism for their emotional distress, or they may feel that they can control their appearance through their food intake.

Overall, the relationship between eating disorders and body dysmorphia disorder is complex and multifaceted. While body dysmorphia disorder may be a primary trigger for eating disorders, it is important to note that not all people with body dysmorphia disorder will develop eating disorders. Treatment for these conditions often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to help people develop a healthier relationship with their body and their food intake.