Eating Disorders

With common Disorders come Eating Disorders. Eating Disorders are conditions specified by abnormal eating habits that may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the loss of an individual's physical and mental health. Disorders such as:
 

Bulimia- An illness where a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. The person then uses different methods -- such as vomiting or abusing laxatives -- to prevent weight gain.

 

Anorexia- An illness characterized by excessive food restriction and irrational fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body self-perception. It typically involves excessive weight loss. Anorexia usually develops during adolescence and early adulthood.

Binge Eating- A serious eating disorder in which a person frequently consumes unusually large amounts of food. Almost everyone overeats on occasion, such as having seconds or thirds of a holiday meal. But for some people, overeating crosses the line to binge-eating disorder and it becomes a regular occurrence, usually done in secret.

Though primarily thought of as affecting females, eating disorders affect males as well. Although eating disorders are increasing all over the world among both men and women, there's evidence to suggest that women are at the highest risk of developing them; especially with the societal norms to look/be "skinny."

The cause of eating disorders aren't known, but there is evidence that it may be linked to other medical conditions and situations. One study shows that girls with ADHD have a greater chance of getting an eating disorder than those not affected by ADHD. Another study suggested that women with PTSD, especially due to sexually related trauma, are more likely to develop anorexia . One study showed that foster girls are more likely to develop bulimia. Some also think that peer pressure and idealized body-types seen in the media are also a significant factor. Some research shows that for some, there's a genetic reason why they may be prone to developing an eating disorder.

While proper treatment can be highly effective, the consequences of eating disorders can be severe, including death.

 

For more information on Eating Disorders visit the National Eating Disorder Association HERE!