- Patients with eating disorders never fully resolve their symptoms and approximately 48% of them relapse.
- In Mexico, around 20,000 cases of anorexia and bulimia are registered each year.
- Eating problems are much more common in women than in men.
The December season passed; however, not for everyone it turned out to be a celebration. For people with eating problems, these dates are usually complicated due to the increase in meetings and meals that increase their anxiety.which can lead to relapses.
Problems that never completely go away
According to researchers from the Health and Food Laboratory of the Faculty of Psychology (FP) of the UNAM, the Patients with eating disorders never fully resolve their symptoms and approximately 48% of them relapse.
“The complicated dates for people with eating problems do not end in December because January brings with it a couple of extra meetings. Additionally, this month is often accompanied by guilt for having relapsed, which can aggravate the situation, that is, prolong the relapse and add aspects such as depression. Therefore, it is essential not to blame the patient and strengthen their support network”, says Jimena González, a nutritionist specializing in clinical metabolism and a protein-containing diet, founder of Clínica Imagine.
Mexico has high rates of people with this type of problem. According to the Ministry of Health (SSa) in the country are identified 20 thousand cases of bulimia and anorexia every year. On the other hand, according to data from UNAM, more than 75% of the adult population is overweight or obese.
The risks of each new year
The specialist in clinical metabolism and protein intake diet affirms that the season of December and January becomes the worst nightmare of people with orthorexia, bulimia, anorexia, overweight and obesity. The reason is because they face a great challenge: being in front of food and fearing it.
To avoid recidivism or activation of behaviors that affect the relationship with food, it is necessary to act in the following way:
The gift of eating what is required. One in 9 women may develop an eating disorder due to variants such as the restriction of food due to social pressure and the application of restrictive diets.
Dr. Ernesto Urzua, coordinator of the Home Services area of the Sanmaré Hospital, points out that regardless of the season, a Mediterranean diet, which is considered a complete plate because it includes vegetables, grains, legumes and fruits that provide good amounts of nutrients, is always a good option to obtain nutrients. In addition, meeting meals can be alternated with this class of dishes, that is, Mediterranean breakfast and dinner, and at the meeting eat whatever is on the table.
Mind, body and food. In addition to causing physical damage to the heart, digestive system, bones, teeth, and mouth, eating disorders also affect the brain.
As a New Year’s resolution, we can lean towards rediscovering the healthy bond with food. Start with small steps such as remembering the importance of eating and having the psychological support that contributes to recovery from eating problems.
Specialized care to combat eating problems. Constantly facing a condition such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity turns out to be exhausting. Meetings that revolve around food increase the chances of recidivism, so asking for help is essential.
The possibility of a relapse is high and can be greater than 45%. For this reason, it is important that people are well, that they have follow-up and control to avoid relapses. When recidivism occurs, it is essential to act under a regime that we call Emergency week. It is an emergency treatment for people with eating problems, in this way the support network is strengthened and patients obtain the care they need through specialists in nutrition, psychology, and bariatrics, among others.
Also read:
Eating disorders can cause these sexual health problems
These are the most common eating disorders in Mexico
Wellness tourism, a new alternative against eating disorders