Tag: Disordered eating

According to a 2023 review, while intermittent fasting has been linked to numerous health benefits, it is not appropriate or safe for everyone, and certain medical conditions and life stages pose significant contraindications. Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone considering a fasting regimen.

Millions of Americans struggle with disordered eating. Understanding what are some eating behaviors, ranging from intentional choices to unconscious patterns, is vital for improving overall health and well-being.

Studies show that occasional overindulgence is very common, and most people have experienced it at some point. The question, "is it okay to overeat twice a week," often arises from a desire to balance enjoyment with health, but the answer depends on several factors, including frequency, quantity, and your psychological state.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting people of all races and ethnicities. This condition involves regularly eating large amounts of food in a short time while feeling a loss of control, a behavior known as binge eating.

According to the Endocrine Society, 80% of dieters eventually regain the weight they lost, and the cycle of yo-yo dieting can harm both mental and physical health. This has led many to question the traditional dieting mindset and seek alternative approaches like intuitive eating, which focuses on reconnecting with the body's natural hunger and fullness cues. But is intuitive eating good or bad, and is it a safe and sustainable solution for everyone?

According to a study on crash diets, extremely low-calorie plans, such as the saltine cracker and water diet, often lead to unsustainable weight loss and numerous health problems. This diet's extreme restriction lacks the essential nutrients for proper bodily function and can cause serious negative side effects.

In the late 1990s, physician Dr. Steven Bratman coined the term *orthorexia nervosa* after observing patients with a pathological obsession for healthy eating. This condition highlights the fine line between mindful nutrition and a restrictive, damaging focus on food 'purity'.

While the wellness world often praises intermittent fasting (IF), a 2024 study presented at an American Heart Association conference linked an 8-hour time-restricted eating window with a 91% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, highlighting that this eating pattern is not without risks. It is crucial to understand when not to do intermittent fasting and recognize the red flags that indicate it may be unsafe for your specific health needs.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition, which includes undernutrition from a calorie deficiency, is a significant contributor to disease worldwide. While a calorie deficit is often pursued for weight loss, a severe or chronic lack of calories can trigger a range of symptoms as the body goes into 'survival mode'.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adult females need at least 1,600 calories and adult males at least 2,200 calories daily to maintain weight. Consistently consuming less can significantly impact your health, but many people don't know the signs. Learning how do I tell if I am undereating is the first step toward better health and a balanced relationship with food.