Eating Disorders Among Individuals With Chronic Illness

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Woman struggling with chronic illness

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Dealing with a long-term illness can be complex and overwhelming in many different ways.  A chronic illness, as defined by the United States National Center for Health Statistics, is a disease lasting three or more months [1].   Usually chronic diseases are not something that can prevent or cured by medication, nor do they typically resolve on their own.

Understanding the Nature of Chronic Diseases

While some symptoms related to chronic diseases can be managed or controlled by lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or through the use of certain medications, chronic illnesses typically cannot be cured completely. Because of the nature of chronic illnesses, many individuals may suffer in their overall quality of life. It may be difficult to do things that were once enjoyed or to find any sense of hope for the future. It is estimated that up to one-third of people who are dealing with a chronic illness also suffer with depression or some type of mood disorder [2].

Examples of chronic diseases include but are not limited to the following:

  • Cancer
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Alzheimer’s and other Dementias
  • Heart Disease
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Illness and Eating Disorders

Woman resting with chronic illnessFor some individuals with chronic illnesses, abnormal behaviors with food may result of many of the symptoms they may be experiencing. For other people struggling with a chronic illness, finding control in some aspect of one’s life, such as food and weight, can become a hyper focus, especially when external circumstances or health feel as though they cannot be controlled or predicted.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, can co-occur alongside another chronic illness for multiple reasons. A person who is also struggling with a mood disorder, such as depression, may be at increased risk for also having an eating disorder. Understanding the potential connection can be especially important for health care providers who treat individuals with chronic illnesses.

When a disease feels unmanageable or a person begins to feel hopeless because of their chronic condition, disordered eating behaviors that might also be present should not be ignored. Drastic or sudden changes in eating habits, weight, and the overall feeding relationship can be red flags for something more severe.

If you or someone you care for is suffering with a chronic illness and an eating disorder, connect with a trusted health care provider to discuss the struggles you may be dealing with. There is help, and you do not have to walk this road alone.

Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!

If you have suffered with an eating disorder and chronic illness, what are some resources that have helped you effectively manage both?

Crystal Headshot 2About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

References:

[1]: Definition of Chronic Disease, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33490
[2]: Dealing With Chronic Illness and Depression, http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/chronic-illnesses-depression#1

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 16, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com