The Difference between Eating Disorders and Food Phobias
Posted on: April 16th, 2016
Eating disorders and food phobias are very different conditions requiring distinctly different treatments, but from a behavioral standpoint can sometimes manifest in similar ways. Both can be dangerous to one’s health, so it’s important to understand the differences and seek the appropriate treatment.
Eating disorders and food phobias can both involve food avoidance and restrictive diets, but for different reasons. Individuals with eating disorders are typically preoccupied with body image and avoid foods because they fear weight gain. They worry excessively about calories and fat content and severely limit what they eat in order to maintain or lose weight. But those with food phobias have a fear of the food itself, not the impact of the food on their body weight. The list of symptoms for each highlights their differences even further.
Different types of eating disorders have different symptoms which can include:
- Preoccupation with food
- Calorie counting
- Fear of weight gain
- Binge eating
- Purging
- Food avoidance
- Eating in secret
Food phobia symptoms are anxiety-based, and occur when an individual is faced with having to eat, cook or be in close proximity to certain foods. Symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Feeling as if you can’t breath
- Heart palpitations
- Shaking
When it comes to impacting one’s health eating disorders and food phobias can have similar consequences. Avoiding certain foods can eliminate essential nutrients from the diet, which in the short term can lead to fatigue, dizziness and weight loss. Long term effects are more serious including loss of hair, anemia, low blood pressure, fragile bones, kidney failure and other medical conditions.
If you or a loved one are suffering with an eating disorder or food phobia seek professional help immediately. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691 or info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
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