Sign up for your 14-day free trial today.
Unhealthy Weight Loss: Eating Disorders
| Posted on Jul 24, 2011 |
Eating Disorders: What Are They?
Eating disorders are a group of long-term illnesses characterized by an overwhelming addiction to food. Three of the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. More than 90% of eating disorders occur in women between the ages of 12 and 25. However, young men and older individuals are increasingly afflicted with eating disorders. Some individuals with eating disorders also suffer from a type of anxiety disorder call body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Those with BDD are obsessed with a skewed perception of a deficit or flaw in their appearance. It might be a minor blemish, but it is perceived as a major problem. They are extremely self conscious of their appearance and obsessed about comparing themselves to others. This may lead to avoidance of social situations and excessive cosmetic procedures.Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia (anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder that results in significant weight loss. Typically, the individual starts out on a diet. In time, the weight loss becomes a means of control, that is, a “safety blanket” of sorts to hide other problems. Those suffering from anorexia often perceive themselves as being overweight even when they are clearly below normal body weight. Often times they have an intense fear of becoming "fat" and are obsessed with the scale, weighing themselves multiple times throughout the day. Other common signs of anorexia include excessive exercise, always being cold, obsession with food and calories, being socially withdrawn and amenorrhea (loss of menstruation) in women. People with anorexia can have serious health problems associated with their illness including electrolyte imbalances, thinning of the bones, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and even heart attacks. They can also have serious psychiatric illness such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and substance abuse. It is estimated that 10- 20% of those with anorexia will die from the resulting medical complications.Bulimia
Bulimia (bulimia nervous) is another eating disorder in which the individual has cycles of binging and purging. They eat a large quantity of food in a short period of time followed by either self-induced vomiting or taking laxatives. Though vomiting and laxatives are more common ways to cleanse themselves of their engorging, bulimics use other ways to purge themselves of their obsessions such as excessive exercise or consuming diet pills. Those who suffer from bulimia may have physical signs such as swollen parotid glands, broken blood vessels in their eyes, teeth decay, muscle weakness irregular heartbeat, esophageal tears, hair loss, or chronic sore throat.Binge-Eating Disorder
Those diagnosed with binge-eating disorder are compulsive over eaters. However, unlike bulimic patients, they do not purge after an excessive meal. Typically binge eaters eat larger meals for comfort but, as time goes on, they find their overeating causes more distress and they become out of control. Some describe them as “closet eaters” because they tend to eat alone, sometimes late at night and very quickly. Following their binge, they often have enormous guilt over their weakness. Unlike the other eating disorders, binge-eating disorder occurs more commonly in men than in women. Health complications from binge-eating include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.Treatment for Eating Disorders
Treatment options for anorexia, bulimia , and binge-eating include inpatient and outpatient counseling and behavioral therapy. Therapy options include one on one, group or family sessions. Other options include the use of medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Studies have had mixed results about the effectiveness of medications and the research is ongoing.A simple plan for healthy, permanent weight loss. Visit us to learn how the Achieve-Life weight loss program can help you achieve the life you've always wanted.
All articles on Achieve-Life.com are written by board certified physicians.
|
Follow Us