Eating Disorders

There are three eating disorders that affect men and women. In anorexia nervosa people starve themselves because they think they are too fat. Bulimia nervosa involves overeating, then purging immediately after. Binge eating is out-of-control eating, regardless of whether one if hungry or not.

People who are anorexic have an extreme fear of becoming fat. As a result, they starve themselves until they are severely underweight. They also tend to exercise excessively. Ironically, the word anorexia means loss of appetite. Anorexics, however, have a great deal of hunger that they control. There are several techniques that anorexics take to control their eating. They might cut their food into tiny pieces or prepare large meals for other to satisfy their own desire for the food. They also might drink a lot of coffee and tea, use diet pills, and smoke to help limit their food intake. Anorexics make excuses to avoid eating or hide food to hide the fact that they aren’t eating. Generally women between the ages of 14 and 25 suffer from anorexia, although some men have this eating disorder as well. Many anorexics suffer from bulimia as well.

Bulimics binge eat then purge everything they have eaten. After an episode of binge eating, bulimics feel guilty and ashamed, as well as afraid of gaining weight. This lead to purging. Laxatives are also commonly abused by bulimics. There are several health risks associated with bulimia. Bulimics tend to have more dental problems such as decay and loss of enamel from the extra acid in their mouth from the vomiting. Frequent purging can also damage the esophagus. Bulimic women who are pregnant have an increased risk of complications. Other health concerns are increased risk of infections, permanent organ damage, muscle spasms, and heart attack.

Binge eating involves eating large amounts of food while feeling out of control and helpless to stop. The difference between binge eating and bulimia is that binge eaters do not purge afterwards or take laxatives. Binge eaters tend to eat faster than usual. They generally eat alone out of shame and embarrassment. They will eat until they are uncomfortably full and they will eat when not hungry at all.

The causes of eating disorders are not completely understood yet. People who suffer from eating disorders usually feel out of control with some aspect of their lives. Eating is the one thing that can be controlled. Many times, anorexics are starving to be perfect. Controlling their eating helps satisfy that hunger. Bulimics may be out of control while bingeing, but they regain control by purging immediately after. Eating disorders may be brought on as a result of a traumatic experience that leaves a person feeling helpless and vulnerable.

The first step in overcoming an eating disorder is admitting you have a problem and seeking help. Talk to people about it and seek counseling. Eating disorders are harder to overcome the longer they have been present. With the right treatment, it is possible to beat an eating disorder.