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Eating Disorders: Anorexia
and Bulimia
The incidences of eating disorders in our society have been steadily
increasing over the last few years. It now occurs in 1 out of every 100 women.
Nineteen out of 20 people who suffer from eating disorders are young women
between 18 and 25.
Studies have found that our social habits and expectations increase the
likelihood of the disorder in our young women. The emphasis on outward
appearances and thinness are targeted daily through peer pressure and how our
society markets its Health and Fitness Products and Services.
Yes obesity is definitely a problem in our society, and we have guidelines
for Health and Nutrition, but the majority of young women fail to follow the
guidelines in an effort to gain immediate gratification or have had abnormal
eating habits throughout their lifetime.
Anorexia Nervosa:
Case Study:
Jennifer is 20 years old. She is very attractive and has always been an over
achiever. From an early age she prided herself on her figure. She watched her
diet, exercised daily and maintained a regiment of self-discipline. She has
always been thin, but has never been satisfied with her weight or appearance.
She continually strives to lose more weight. She is 5’ 6” and weighs 85 lbs.
Jennifer is unaware of the fact that she is undernourished, therefore she
sees no problem with her appearance or weight.
How does this happen??
Learned behavior has a great deal to do with why this happens. Many young
women develop anorexia-like patterns as our society is pressured with the
pursuit of thinness. Many women are anorexic based on the eating patterns they
have developed by trying to accomplish unrealistic weight goals.
Fashion models, long distance runners, women athletes and dancers commonly
have anorexia-like traits.
- An intense fear of becoming obese. Even as they lose more weight.
- Inaccurate vision of how their bodies appear. Feeling fat when in
actuality they are very thin and emaciated.
- Continual weight loss. 25% or more of their original body weight.
- Refusal to gain weight, which would place them in a normal body weight
range.
Physical Dangers:
A rigorous dieting regime will send the body into starvation mode. Then the
physical effects will start to manifest themselves:
Thyroid hormones will become abnormal. Adrenal, growth hormones and
blood-pressure hormones also become abnormal.
Heart functions change. The heart pumps less efficiently, muscles become weak
and thin. Heart rhythms many change. Blood pressure levels fall.
GI function can become abnormal. Diarrhea occurs as the lining of the
digestive tract slow.
High levels of Vitamin A and Carotene in the blood.
Reduced levels of Protein.
An increase in fine body hair, skin dryness and deceased skin temperatures.
Brain activity becomes
abnormal. Loss of sleep and feeling of never having enough
rest.
Anorexia Nervosa is hard to diagnose, because almost everyone in our society
is in pursuing thinness. Denial and deception are common place for young women
with Anorexia, therefore it takes a skilled professional to diagnose Anorexia.
Bulimia
Bulimia occurs in women of all ages, but is more common among those under 30.
Bulimia is more common than Anorexia and in males. Only a small percentage of
people who are Bulimic show signs of Anorexia.
Case Study:
Carry is a women in her late twenties, she maintain a normal weight range and
obsesses about food. She starves herself then binges, when she has eaten too
much she vomits.
Carry, like 60% of people with Bulimia, starts to binge after a period of
extreme dieting. The most popular binge foods are food that are high in sugar
and fat, and are easy to eat in large amounts. (cookies, cakes, ice cream, and
bread products)
The side effects of the binge eating are swollen hands and feet, bloating,
fatigue, headaches, nausea and pain.
Physical Dangers:
Fluid and Electrolyte imbalances.
Abnormal Heart rhythms
Kidney dysfunction which can cause bladder infections and kidney failure.
Irritation to the pharynx, esophagus, and salivary glands.
Erosion of teeth and dental caries.
Use of laxatives can cause injury to the intestinal tract.
Bulimia has been described as a socially approved method of weight control.
Practiced among women in the upper-classes because of social obligations which
include many dinners and parties.
Both Anorexia and Bulimia are socially generated eating disorders generated
by our need for the “perfect image”, resulting in self-destructive eating
patterns.
Listen to your Body, it is Wiser than you Think. Respect your own unique
traits and Diet sensibly.
Resources:
WebMD
http://my.webmd.com
Eating Disorder Treatment and Helpline
http://edhelpline.com
National Eating Disorders Association
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Anorexia and Bulimia Care
http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.co.uk
This article is freely available for reprint provided that the resource box
at the end of the article is left intact and the article is published complete.
About The Author
Written by Tina M. Rideout, For more information about Health and Fitness
visit:
http://clean-living-nutritional-supplements.com
gworkp@yahoo.com
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