Eating Disorders and Medical Cannabis

Types of Eating Disorders

There are many different types of disordered eating, the most common being:

• Anorexia nervosa – obsessive weight control by restrictive eating and/or over exercising.
• Bulimia – loss of control over eating and then taking extreme action to avoid weight gain.
• Binge eating disorder (BED) – loss of control and consuming a large amount of food until uncomfortably full
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFID) – avoiding certain types of food or restrict consumption of food overall.
• Atypical eating disorders (also known as other specified feeding or eating disorder [OSFED]) – this is when an individual has an eating disorder which does not meet the precise criteria of a specific eating disorder.

What Causes an Eating Disorder?

It is not known why a person develops an eating disorder. However, there is a complex relationship between predisposing traits, triggering factors, and recurring negative or positive feedback in relation to habits intended to provide weight loss. Observational research shows people may be predisposed to developing eating disorders if:

• They or a family member has a history of an eating disorder, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs
• They have been subjected to negative comments on their body size or shape, or subject to criticism or remarks on their eating habits
• They have external pressure or influence due to their job
• They suffer from anxiety or low self-esteem
• They have an obsessive personality or strive for perfection (even when unrealistic)
• They have suffered sexual abuse

How is an Eating Disorder Diagnosed?

A GP assessment is carried out to review how the patient is feeling, their eating habits, height, and weight. The GP may then refer them to an eating disorder specialist or a specialist team for further support depending on the severity of the condition.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Recovery from an eating disorder can be challenging and a long process, but the earlier the person suffering reaches out for help and is given the support they need the better. There is no one treatment for all eating disorders, and the support required will depend on the severity of the situation and the type of eating disorder. Recovery often involves trying to consume a balanced eating pattern and addressing any underlying psychological problems.

There are a range of psychological treatment approaches, which may include: motivational therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.

Eating Disorders and Medicinal Cannabis

Research into the effect of medicinal cannabis on eating disorders is limited. However, following the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018, there has been a rise in people looking towards medical cannabis. When first-line therapies have not proved effective at reducing symptoms, medical cannabis may be considered an option for eating disorders.