Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are caused by a variety of mental, emotional, physical and sociological factors and can have profound effects on the people suffering and their loved ones. While eating disorders can take many different forms, the following are the most common:

· Anorexia Nervosa: People with this eating disorder are obsessed with becoming thin, often starving themselves. Sufferers from this eating disorder are perfectionists and often high achievers, depending on others for approval. People with Anorexia are irrational about their weight, regardless of how emaciated they appear. Low self-esteem fuels the notion that acceptance equals thinness. Side effects of anorexia nervosa include increased heart rate, cessation of menstruation, starvation and even death.

· Bulimia Nervosa: This eating disorder causes sufferers to eat large portions of food, and then purge their body of the food by forcing themselves to vomit or taking laxatives. Bulimia sufferers might spend long periods in the bathroom and run water to hide their activities, especially after a meal. This eating disorder can cause damage to the body from dehydration, tooth decay and hormonal imbalance.

· Binge Eating: This eating disorder, which is becoming increasingly common, is characterized by frequent overindulgence of high-calorie food, such as fast food, sweets and snacks. Unlike bulimia, however, binge eaters do not purge themselves and often become overweight. Low self-esteem, secrecy about food intake, depression and food paranoia are all characteristic of this eating disorder.

· Compulsive Eating: People suffering from this eating disorder have what is characterized as an addiction to food, using food and eating as a way to hide from their emotions, to fill a void they feel inside and to cope with daily stresses and problems in their lives. Low self-esteem, secrecy about food intake, depression and food paranoia are characteristic of this eating disorder, as well.

Other eating disorders include "bigorexia," an eating disorder in which sufferers are compelled to gain weight, over-exercise, food addiction and other problems associated with food intake.

If you suspect that you or someone you love has a problem with an eating disorder, please contact Eating Disorders today and explore the different treatment options available.
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