Dr. Aparna Patil

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically over the past few decades, and obesity during adolescence is associated with significant medical morbidity during adulthood. Eating disorders and obesity are usually seen as very different problems but actually share many similarities. Eating disorders (EDs) are the third most common chronic condition in adolescents, after obesity and asthma.

In fact, eating disorders, obesity, and other weight-related disorders may overlap as girls move from one problem, such as unhealthy dieting, to another, such as obesity. Understand the links between eating disorders and obesity and promote healthy attitudes and behaviors related to weight and eating.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape. Eating disturbances may include inadequate or excessive food intake which can ultimately damage an individual’s well-being. The most common forms of eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and affect both females and males.

Signs & Symptoms of an Eating Disorder:

A man or woman suffering from an eating disorder may reveal several signs and symptoms, some which are:

1. Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight
2. Constant weight fluctuations
3. Obsession with calories and fat contents of food
4. Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food
5. Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking; the individual may cook intricate meals for others but refrain from partaking
6. Depression or lethargic stage
7. Avoidance of social functions, family and friends. May become isolated and withdrawn
8. Switching between periods of overeating and fasting

What are the health risks associated with these disorders?

1. Stunted growth.
2. Delayed menstruation.
3. Damage to vital organs such as the heart and brain.
4. Nutritional deficiencies, including starvation.
5. Cardiac arrest.
6. Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.

What is Obesity?

Obesity means being overweight by the accumulation of excess fat within the body. Obesity is defined to some extent by measuring Body Mass Index (BMI). People become obese by consumption of excess calories, imbalance between calories intake and calories outgoing, leading a sedentary life, lack of sleep , disturbances in lipid metabolism and intake of medications that put on obese.

What are the risks associated with obesity?

Obesity increases the risk for:

1. High blood pressure.
2. Stroke.
3. Cardiovascular disease.
4. Gallbladder disease.
5. Diabetes.
6. Respiratory problems.
7. Arthritis.
8. Cancer.
9. Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.

How eating disorder and obesity are related?

Eating disorders and obesity are part of a range of weight-related problems.

1. Body dissatisfaction and unhealthy dieting practices are linked to the development of eating disorders, obesity, and other problems.
2. Binge eating is common among people with eating disorders and people who are obese.
3. Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are associated with both eating disorders and obesity.
4. The environment may contribute to both eating disorders and obesity.

Healp Adolescents Develop Healthy Eating Habits:

• Healp children learn to control their own eating.
• Offer children a variety of healthy foods at meal and snack times.
• Eat dinner together as a family most days of the week.
• Be aware of your child's emotional health.
• Encourage children to participate in sports, dance, swimming and other physical activities.
• Counteract harmful media messages about body image. 

The Splendid Approach:

The approach should be quite simple. A proper diet plan, nutritious foods and fruits with proper exercise can do a world of good to you.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

So you have just found out that you are pregnant and you and your partner are over the moon about it! While congratulations are in order, so are a host of tips, which will help you settle into the pregnancy. It is important to remember that the first trimester of your pregnancy is a crucial phase where you may not change that much physically, but will be prone to many emotional changes. It is also a phase where you will make way for the changes that will inevitably come in the next two trimesters and for a long time after delivery of the baby too. Read on to unravel our first trimester guide.

1. Pregnancy Test: You must ensure that you know you are pregnant by monitoring your menstrual cycles closely so that even one missed period points at the possibility of pregnancy. This test can be a home based kit available at the chemists' or can even be conducted with a lab test based on a urine sample. Despite the results that you may get on a home pregnancy test, it is best to get a professional opinion as well.
2. Finding the Right Doctor: In this phase of your pregnancy itself, it is imperative to home in on a gynaecologist who will put you ease. Take care to pick someone who may be recommended by family and friends. Have a talk with the doctor a few times to see how well he or she engages you as a patient and if you are suitably convinced with the sessions and appointments.
3. Activity: While heavy activities may not be recommended by all doctors as the foetus needs to latch on, one can indulge in plenty of walks and a normal routine as well. Ensure that your pregnancy is a normal one and ask your doctor about any precautions that you may need to take with the progressing trimesters. Also, find ways to deal with any morning sickness with the help of the doctor. 
4. Supplements: In this crucial phase, ensure that your doctor gives you plenty of folic acid supplements that you must ingest on a regular basis. This will keep any risk of neural tube birth defects at bay. 
5. Other Medications: Find out more about over the counter drugs or any medication that you may have been taking as this may have to be stopped or adjusted for the pregnancy. The doctor should be able to guide you on this aspect too.

The other activities during the first trimester include taking pre natal appointments and choosing and interacting with your caregiver who will also be a support after you have had the baby.

Related Tip: "First Trimester Pregnancy - What to Expect"