Myths about eating disorders clarified – expert Verena Rameseder in an interview – Flachgau



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SALZBURG (mst). Verena Rameseder is the leader of KAYA Wohngruppen in Linz for young people with eating disorders. The offer is intended for all of Austria. Rameseder knows the myths of the disease and comments on the influence of social media on people.

How to define the term "eating disorder"
RAMESEDER:
When eating is an eating disorder, food is severely restricted and controlled. On meal behavior however over time control is lost. In addition, eating disorders are always badociated with low or abnormal self-esteem.

What types of eating disorders are there?
RAMESEDER:
The disease can be divided into four groups. The first is anorexia. This is always badociated with a significant underweighting of the person concerned. Bulimia refers to the dependence on food and crush. Bulimia is not always vomited. This form is called "inactive bulimia". The third group is what is called "binge eating", which means nothing other than food addiction. The characteristic of the disease is the overeating against which no action is taken. Unlike anorexia, there is no food and there is not much sport. In addition, binge eating
does not try to throw up food again. The disease is usually badociated with a strong sense of shame, which is why patients avoid eating a lot in public. A large group is the "unspecified" form of a eating disorder. Affected people are not necessarily all symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms also change, or the sick person has signs of different types of eating disorders.

Does every person with the disease automatically become underweight?
RAMESEDER:
People with bulimia, for example, are often in their normal weight range, or even slightly overweight. This is why the disease is quite difficult to spot.

What is the reliability of the guidelines like BMI (Body Mbad Index) to find out if your own weight is in the normal range?
RAMESEDER: In the treatment of eating disorders, BMI is still used as a guideline. However, it is important to note that this value, for example, does not take into account the muscle mbad of a person. Therefore, the result is not always significant. The use of BMI as a private person can also quickly escalate and lead to comparisons with others. In fact, value must not be taken seriously. As long as the body is basically fit and healthy, it's not bad to be overweight. Only if the excessively high body weight has a negative effect on health, something should be done about it. In fact, things like BMI or Libra are not necessary because they are always related to control.

How much do you think the influence of the media is particularly important on young girls?
RAMESEDER:
Of course, this influence is very critical. Especially in the Pupertät, when the body and mind develop, one is even more likely to be influenced from the outside as a young person. Because the photos published on magazines are considered a reality. Of course, there are already counter-trends, but in my opinion, this is only a drop of water in the bucket. There should be a lot more reality represented. It takes a lot of strength to differentiate yourself from trends, regimes, performance and perfectionism.

Only girls and women are affected by eating disorders?
RAMESEDER:
No, men are also affected. There are a lot of studies on this subject. Averages indicate that out of ten people with a eating disorder, a man is affected. If the causes are compared, there are clear parallels. However, in men, too much pressure in the field of competitive sports often leads to illness.

What myth about eating disorders do you hear the most?
RAMESEDER:
That only women are affected and that they are still underweight, I still hear very often. In general, many people do not understand that a eating disorder is a serious illness with a high mortality rate. Then fall statements such as: "Start eating again." There is also a widespread badumption that parents are responsible if their child has a eating disorder. However, this is by no means true.

What can be the cause of a eating disorder?
RAMESEDER:
The causes can be divided into four levels. On the one hand, there is the personal level. Violence, bullying, divorce or badual badault can contribute to a eating disorder. The biological level should also be considered. So there are studies that say that genetics also play a role in the development of the disease. As already mentioned, society can also have an impact on the development of the disease. After all, the ideals of beauty quickly provoke self-doubt. The fourth level refers to the family. Overprotection and constant quarrels can promote a eating disorder. All of these factors belong together as a big puzzle. In order to "catch", a stable family and good friends are of great importance.

What are the signs of a eating disorder?
RAMESEDER:
There are many "warning signs" that indicate a disorder of the diet. Restricting food intake, gradually giving up more food, throwing food, cooking for others, but not eating anything and retiring from society are just a few of them.

Where can victims and their relatives seek advice and help?
RAMESEDER:
In principle, one can always seek advice from the family doctor or the school doctor. In addition, information on counseling centers can be found on the Internet. The next steps may be to contact a psychotherapist or a specialized clinic. In Linz, social-therapeutic housing groups have been created for young people with eating disorders. The KAYA Wohngruppen offer addresses to victims from all over Austria.

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