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In society today, girls want to look like celebrities. Although, some celebrities have eating disorders
which some deny. The demand for beauty has become an issue throughout the world, but especially in America. America is known
for its obesity epidemic. Yet, living in America one will see over hundreds of diet commercials that feature super skinny
women and men giving false hope to those with low self-esteem.
There are two very common
types of eating disorders:
Anorexia nervousa and Bulimia nervousa.
In anorexia a person would have an intense fear of
being overweight or "ugly". Thus, they eat only very little amounts of food and basically starve themselves.
What Is Anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder where people
starve themselves. Anorexia usually begins in young people around the onset of puberty. Individuals suffering from anorexia
have extreme weight loss. Weight loss is usually 15% below the person's normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia
are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight. Weight loss is obtained by many ways. Some of the common techniques
used are excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating.
Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming
fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls.
People with anorexia continue to think they
are overweight even after they become extremely thin, are very ill or near death. Often they will develop strange eating habits
such as refusing to eat in front of other people. Sometimes the individuals will prepare big meals for others while refusing
to eat any of it.
The disorder is thought to be most common
among people of higher socioeconomic classes and people involved in activities where thinness is especially looked upon, such
as dancing, theater, and distance running.
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological
eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control
(purging). Inappropriate methods of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics,
or compulsive exercising. Excessive shape and weight concerns are also characteristics of bulimia. A binge is an episode where
an individual eats a much larger amount of food than most people would in a similar situation. Binge eating is not a response
to intense hunger. It is usually a response to depression, stress, or self esteem issues. During the binge episode, the individual
experiences a loss of control. However, the sense of a loss of control is also followed by a short-lived calmness. The calmness
is often followed by self-loathing. The cycle of overeating and purging usually becomes an obsession and is repeated often.
Bulimia was only diagnosed as its own eating disorder
in the 1980s.
People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most
of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high achievers.
It is often difficult to determine whether a person
is suffering from Bulimia. This occurs because bingeing and purging is often done in secret. Also, individuals suffering from
Bulimia often deny their condition.
Sufferers consume huge quantities of food. Sometimes
up to 20,000 calories at a time. The foods on which they binge tend to be foods labeled as "comfort foods" -- sweet foods,
high in calories, or smooth, soft foods like ice cream, cake, and pastry. An individual may binge anywhere from twice a day
to several times daily.
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People with eating disorders are always thinking
about food but don't eat it because they think their fat.
You may or have a friend who might have an eating
disorder if they have the following symptoms:
Anorexia:
- drops weight to about 20% below normal
- denies feeling hungry
- exercises excessively
- feels fat
- withdraws from social activities
Bulimia:
- makes excuses to go to the bathroom immediately after
meals
- eats huge amounts of food, but doesn't gain weight
- uses laxatives or diuretics
- withdraws from social activities
If you DO know some one suffering from anorexia or
bulimia you can approach a parent, try talking to a teacher, a neighbor, your doctor, or another trusted adult. Remember that eating disorders
are common among teens, and more importantly, that treatment is out there...
The most critical thing about treating eating disorders
is to recognize and address the problem as soon as possible - like all bad habits, unhealthy eating patterns become harder
to break the longer a person takes part in them. If you have an eating disorder, don't wait to get help - anorexia and bulimia
can do a lot of damage to the body and mind if left untreated. At worst, eating disorders can kill, and at best, they leave
a person feeling and looking terrible.
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