‘Do you know Princess Diana also had an eating disorder?’: Namita Thapar admits to struggling with ‘stress eating and yo yo weight’ for years

More about eating disorders

Dr. Divya Shree K R, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore told indianexpress.com that an eating disorder is a serious condition where a person has unhealthy thoughts, feelings, or behaviours about food, weight, and body shape. It is not just about food but also about emotions and self-image. Common types include anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

“Some signs of an eating disorder include skipping meals often, eating very little or eating too much in one sitting, vomiting after meals, using too many diet pills, or exercising too much,” she said, adding that people may also show signs like being overly worried about their body weight, avoiding eating in front of others, or constantly checking themselves in the mirror.

What happens when you quit sugar? (Source: Freepik)

“While physical changes may include sudden weight loss or gain, hair thinning, feeling tired all the time, and changes in skin or nails, emotionally, a person may feel anxious, sad, guilty, or ashamed about eating,” she added.

In the long run, eating disorders can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health. Dr Divya elaborated that physically, there could be heart problems, weak bones, stomach issues, poor immunity, and even life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Mentally, they can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. “Eating disorders can also affect school, work, and relationships because the person may focus only on food and body image,” she mentioned.

Thapar also mentioned quitting sugar and how that significantly improved the quality of her life. Let’s find out the benefits of doing so.

What happens when you quit sugar?

According to Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai, the benefits of cutting out sugar are multifold. “Many experience weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and more stable energy levels. Skin may appear clearer, mood swings reduce, and gut health often improves due to a better microbiome balance. Oral health also benefits, with reduced risk of tooth decay,” she shared.

In fact, at first you may experience sugar cravings, mood swings, or fatigue as your body adjusts. “Soon, energy levels stabilise, mood becomes more balanced, and you will feel better. By the second to third week, many people report better digestion, clearer skin, and improved sleep. Weight loss may occur naturally, especially around the belly area, as insulin levels normalise and fat storage decreases.

Over time, your taste buds reset, making natural foods like fruits taste sweeter and more satisfying. Then, as time passes, you will start avoiding sugar yourself when the results are visible. Remember, eating disorders are medical conditions that need care and support. With proper treatment, counseling, and family support, people can recover and build a healthier relationship with food and themselves.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.