According to the State of Obesity report of the Trust for America’s Health Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (The State of Obesity 2019, nearly 40% of Americans are obese), and 18.5% of 6-11 year old children, as well 14.2% of 12-19 year old adolescents, it begs the question: Is obesity an eating disorder.
What is an eating disorder?
A eating disorder can be defined as an “abnormal attitude towards food” that can manifest in many ways, from overeating to undereating. Eating disorders can develop at any age but are most common during adolescence and young adulthood. (1) Most people associate eating disorders with weight loss. However, eating disorders can also lead to weight gains.
Types of Eating disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a severe eating disorder which causes drastic weight loss. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an extreme fear of weight gain. People with this disorder will take extreme measures to avoid gaining weight, such as restricting their food intake, exercising excessively, or vomiting after meals.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that involves binge eating large quantities of food, followed by vomiting, using laxatives and diuretics, or fasting.
Binge-eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder is a type of eating disorders that is characterized by eating large quantities of food over a short time period, followed by feelings such as guilt, shame and embarrassment. Binge-eating disorders are characterized by eating when you’re not even hungry, and continuing to eat after you’re full.
Obesity is an eating disorder
Some experts think that obesity should be classified as a separate eating disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The causes of obesity are complex, including genetics, metabolism and culture.
The cause of obesity is different for every individual. However, the result is always the same: excessive body fat. For someone to be considered obese, their body mass index (BMI), or BMI, must be 30 or greater. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered obese but not overweight. (3)
Obesity Help
They don’t believe they need treatment. Many people with eating disorders believe they can manage their disorder by themselves. Research has shown that eating disorders can be treated very successfully.
It’s still up for debate whether obesity should be considered a separate eating disorder. However, we know that it is a complex problem with multiple underlying causes. It’s vital to consult a doctor if you’re struggling with obesity. They can help you create a treatment plan tailored for your needs.
Anorexia Nervosa
(3) Defining Adult Overweight & Obesity
Kris Baxter is the editor.
Obesity – Is it an eating disorder? Alternative Medicine Magazine published the first article on Obesity: Is it an Eating Disorder?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
The five domains that make up integrative medicine are mind-body (nutrition, social determinants), lifestyle, and prevention. These five areas are concerned with all aspects, including the physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to treating disease and overall health. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.
A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Some cancer patients choose complementary medicine over chemotherapy, believing it will be easier for them to manage side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.
Natural remedies are first-line therapy for those who are concerned about side effects from chemotherapy.
What’s the difference between holistic medicine versus alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
Why is alternative medicine important?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they’re often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What products can be used in holistic medicines?
This product can be described as “natural” without necessarily being organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions so you might need to prepare them differently depending on what they are. The herbs sold in health food stores are more standard than those found at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
The majority of herbal supplements are made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. But, liquid herbs are not necessarily safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It’s not guaranteed that the product will retain its original strength. A majority of herbal supplements aren’t subject to quality control testing before being sold.
Herbs and spices are generally added to foods after cooking. You’ll find them in condiments like ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, soup mixes, and marinades.
Supplements are typically taken orally (by mouth). Most vitamins and mineral supplements are available as tablets. Others are available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies, which are highly diluted substances, can be derived from any plant, animal or mineral. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They activate the immune system of the body to restore balance and promote well-being. Homeopathic remedies can be considered safe and non-toxic. They are commonly used in Europe.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points on the meridians of your bodies. This is based on traditional Chinese medical theories that energy channels are the pathways through which life force flows. According to this theory, illness is caused by blockages in these channels. By stimulating energy flow along the meridian lines, the body is believed to recover its normal functioning.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. He claimed that he could diagnose illness and cure them by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments as well as muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has been very popular in the last few decades. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy involves rubbing, kneading, tapping, or stroking muscles, joints, and other body parts. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. The massage therapists may use deep tissue, sports and reflexology, myofascial releases, trigger point therapy, or other techniques.
Reflexology refers to alternative medicine that uses pressure to apply pressure to specific areas of your feet and hands using thumb pads and fingers. This treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing abilities, say reflexologists.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. Aromatherapy is also beneficial because essential oils can have a positive effect on health conditions, such as headache relief and arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral Therapy uses gentle touch to ease pain and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. The therapist applies light pressure on various areas of the patient’s head, neck, shoulders, arms and legs while moving her/his hand across the body.
Cupping therapy uses cups placed on the skin to produce suction and draw out toxins. Cupping can be combined with acupuncture and moxibustion (burning herbal remedies) to aid in detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1995. A dietary supplement must meet two criteria to be sold legally. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electrical currents in order to stimulate nerves or muscles. The most widely used form is transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). Low-level electrical pulses are delivered by TENS devices using electrodes that are placed on the skin. These pulses stimulate brain receptors that block pain signaling. You can also use electrotherapy in other ways, such as interferencential current therapy or magnetic field treatment, and even ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another layer of energy is called mental. Other energies include the physical, spiritual, chakras and vital, life force. Some believe that these energies can be connected to all of the universe. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. There is not much scientific evidence supporting energy medicine.
Energy psychology is about studying the effects of emotions on physiological functions, and vice versa. Because it doesn’t focus on the past but focuses more on helping clients change their behavior now, energy psychology is sometimes considered an alternative or complementary to psychotherapy. Although energy psychology does not have a particular theoretical framework, it draws from many disciplines including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), transactional analysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis and attachment theory.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Obesity: Is it an Eating Disorder?
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/addiction/obesity-is-it-an-eating-disorder/
Published Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:08:50 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
The five domains that make up integrative medicine are mind-body (nutrition, social determinants), lifestyle, and prevention. These five areas are concerned with all aspects, including the physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to treating disease and overall health. It includes both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapies such acupuncture.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.
A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Some cancer patients choose complementary medicine over chemotherapy, believing it will be easier for them to manage side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.
Natural remedies are first-line therapy for those who are concerned about side effects from chemotherapy.
What’s the difference between holistic medicine versus alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
Why is alternative medicine important?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they’re often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What products can be used in holistic medicines?
This product can be described as “natural” without necessarily being organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions so you might need to prepare them differently depending on what they are. The herbs sold in health food stores are more standard than those found at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
The majority of herbal supplements are made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. But, liquid herbs are not necessarily safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It’s not guaranteed that the product will retain its original strength. A majority of herbal supplements aren’t subject to quality control testing before being sold.
Herbs and spices are generally added to foods after cooking. You’ll find them in condiments like ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, soup mixes, and marinades.
Supplements are typically taken orally (by mouth). Most vitamins and mineral supplements are available as tablets. Others are available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies, which are highly diluted substances, can be derived from any plant, animal or mineral. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They activate the immune system of the body to restore balance and promote well-being. Homeopathic remedies can be considered safe and non-toxic. They are commonly used in Europe.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points on the meridians of your bodies. This is based on traditional Chinese medical theories that energy channels are the pathways through which life force flows. According to this theory, illness is caused by blockages in these channels. By stimulating energy flow along the meridian lines, the body is believed to recover its normal functioning.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. He claimed that he could diagnose illness and cure them by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments as well as muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has been very popular in the last few decades. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy involves rubbing, kneading, tapping, or stroking muscles, joints, and other body parts. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. The massage therapists may use deep tissue, sports and reflexology, myofascial releases, trigger point therapy, or other techniques.
Reflexology refers to alternative medicine that uses pressure to apply pressure to specific areas of your feet and hands using thumb pads and fingers. This treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing abilities, say reflexologists.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. Aromatherapy is also beneficial because essential oils can have a positive effect on health conditions, such as headache relief and arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral Therapy uses gentle touch to ease pain and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. The therapist applies light pressure on various areas of the patient’s head, neck, shoulders, arms and legs while moving her/his hand across the body.
Cupping therapy uses cups placed on the skin to produce suction and draw out toxins. Cupping can be combined with acupuncture and moxibustion (burning herbal remedies) to aid in detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1995. A dietary supplement must meet two criteria to be sold legally. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electrical currents in order to stimulate nerves or muscles. The most widely used form is transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). Low-level electrical pulses are delivered by TENS devices using electrodes that are placed on the skin. These pulses stimulate brain receptors that block pain signaling. You can also use electrotherapy in other ways, such as interferencential current therapy or magnetic field treatment, and even ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another layer of energy is called mental. Other energies include the physical, spiritual, chakras and vital, life force. Some believe that these energies can be connected to all of the universe. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. There is not much scientific evidence supporting energy medicine.
Energy psychology is about studying the effects of emotions on physiological functions, and vice versa. Because it doesn’t focus on the past but focuses more on helping clients change their behavior now, energy psychology is sometimes considered an alternative or complementary to psychotherapy. Although energy psychology does not have a particular theoretical framework, it draws from many disciplines including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), transactional analysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis and attachment theory.
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