Eating disorders rise among Bengaluru youth

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is home to a thriving tech industry, and many young people flock to Bengaluru in search of highpaying jobs.

However, the highpressure environment of the tech industry can take a toll on mental health, and eating disorders are one of the major consequences.

A study by the National Mental Health Survey of India found that the prevalence of eating disorders among young people in Bengaluru is 10%, which is higher than the national average of 7%.

The study also found that stress and lack of work-life balance are the two main factors that contribute to eating disorders in Bengaluru’s youth.

The study also suggests that there might be several instances that might go unreported and the actual number of youth suffering from eating disorders can be much higher.

Comfort foods: 'Not so comforting'

On the other hand, when we are stressed, our bodies release hormones that can suppress our appetite. In addition, stress can cause us to make unhealthy food choices.

Adarsh's point that we may be more likely to crave comfort foods, such as sugary snacks and processed foods when we are stressed is supported by a number of studies.

One study found that people who were exposed to stressful situations were more likely to choose sugary snacks over healthier options. Comfort foods are often high in sugar and fat, which can trigger the release of dopamine which can make us feel better in the short term.

When we are stressed, we may turn to these foods in an attempt to cope with our stress. Comfort foods can also be a way to self-soothe. When we are feeling stressed, we may eat unhealthy foods as a way to distract ourselves from our negative emotions.

However, this is only a temporary solution, and it can actually make us feel worse in the long run.

Contributing factors

Life coach Adarsh Benkappa Basavaraj believes that today's youth are obsessed with the concept of "Netflix and chill," where their idea of relaxation is to lie on a couch or bed, watch movies and TV shows, and eat unhealthy food.

He asks. He believes “eat, sleep, repeat” for better mental health is the first step towards unhealthy eating. Adarsh asks, "Since when did tea and coffee become stress busters?"

He points out that many people, especially those in stressful jobs, are addicted to coffee or tea and end up having them multiple times a day, which can disrupt their hunger cues.

Work-life imbalance = Trigger

Lack of work-life balance can also lead to eating disorders. People may also be more likely to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as binge eating.

Basavaraj also explains the vicious cycle that can arise from a lack of work-life balance. He says that busy people may skip breakfast and have a heavy lunch late in the afternoon, which can lead them to skip dinner or eat unhealthy snacks at night.

This can lead to hunger pangs around 2 or 3 a.m., which can lead to binging on chips and fried foods, which can disrupt digestion and sleep. Eating disorders can have a devastating impact on a person's physical and mental health.

They can lead to weight loss or weight gain, malnutrition, and other health problems. Eating disorders can also cause depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.