Article Review On Eating Disorders

Introduction

Disordered eating is a complex problem that combines both psychological and physiological factors. Eating disorders can be broadly defined as a deviation from a normal eating behavior. These types of disorders are characterized by extremes, such as excessive reduction of food intake, overeating or strong feelings of considerable dissatisfaction over own weight or body. Issues with eating patterns might lead to a significant deterioration of human health, and sometimes even to death. Sport is usually considered as a tool for enhancing self-esteem, confidence, positive outlook on life and better health. It would be reasonable to assume that athletes have better protection from depression and eating disorders. However, it is argued that athletes are susceptible to develop eating disorders, since they are likely to seek perfection. Therefore, improvement of educational programs on nutrition and prevention strategies to minimize the risk to athletes are vital.

Article Review

Research carried out by Langmesser and Verscheure (2009) explored a great deal of studies aiming at preventative measures with regard to unhealthy eating patterns. To be more precise, 46 studies were examined and categorized according to various variables. Intervention strategies, the timeframe of preventative intervention as well as three targeted groups were scrutinized. People that are at risk, with no risk and those who demonstrated some symptoms of eating disorder were studied. Preventative interventions were divided into three categories: merely educational, cognitive-behavioral with an educational component and merely interactive therapy with some aspects of cognitive patterns. Prevention program demonstrated effective results. Preventative intervention was carried out aiming at realization of personal problems with regard to their origins in the context of long-term development. A vast array of pre-emptive actions were taken over relatively a short period of time. Symptom awareness, formation of self-esteem and intrapersonal communication as well as building new constructive relationships with peers were the obvious positive results.
Eating disorder prevention programs proved to be effective. One of the efficient ways to prevent the issues with eating patterns was cost-effective interactive interventions. Female teenagers are extremely concerned about the state of their figures, especially in puberty. The study evaluated the significance of potential risk factors of eating disorders as well examined preventative interventions in terms of efficiency. It was found that iatrogenic effects could successfully prevent disordered eating. The research concluded that abnormal eating behaviors was a choice and a behavioural pattern.
There have been an increase of interest and concern about eating disorders, however current studies offer a bit limited results on preventative strategies. Despite the fact that a number of risk factors were identified, several studies have attempted to implement preventive interventions in high-risk groups, though the results are rather inconsistent. Nevertheless, the research presented a fresh view on the fact that the basis for the development of eating disorders was laid at school age. A more systematic approach would go through the obtained results in order to acknowledge the interaction of other variables that are linked to eating disorders.

Conclusion

Eating disorders are a set of symptoms that occur due to prolonged exposure to behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social factors. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food as an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions. Diet, undereating as well as overeating may begin as a way to cope with some feelings and as a way to feel in control of their own lives. However, ultimately, eating behavior is prone to harm the emotional and physical health, self-esteem and feeling of competence and control. A number of preventative strategies are proved to be efficient in order to avert the development of eating disorders.

References

Langmesser, L., & Verscheure, S. (2009). Are eating disorder prevention programs effective? Journal of Athletic Training, 44(3), 304-305. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-44.3.304