FollowEverything You Need to Know About Eating Disorders
The most common disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. While these symptoms are most common in females, men can also suffer from this affliction as well. Signs of this disorder normally start to appear during the teenage years and sometimes early adult years as well.
Anorexia Nervosa- Anorexia Nervosa is simply just called anorexia. It is a disorder that is life-threatening and features signs such as significantly low weight, distorted perception of weight and extreme fear of gaining weight. Those who suffer from anorexia will go to extreme measures to control their weight and this oftentimes disrupts their health and daily activities. Some of these measures include using laxatives, vomiting after eating and excessive exercise.
Bulimia Nervosa- Bulimia nervous is simply known as bulimia. It is a disorder that may be life-threatening. Those dealing with bulimia experience episodes of bingeing and purging and feel they have control over their disorder. Many times, those suffering from bulimia will not eat all day and then binge and purge later on in the evening. Bingeing and purging is the act of eating large portions of food in a short time period and then try to get rid of that food in ways that are not so healthy. Most of the time, those with bulimia will force themselves to throw up but they can also use other methods such as laxatives and intense exercise.
Binge Eating- Those who suffer from binge eating will eat too much food and then feel they have no control over their eating. They may eat in a rush manner or they may eat more than they intended. They will eat at times they are not even hungry and sometimes will keep at it after they are full. After they have a binge episode, they may experience feelings of disgust or guilt. Unlike the other two disorders, those who binge eat with not try to purge their food after consuming. Many binge eaters will often eat alone out of embarrassment. Binge eaters may be normal weight but are sometimes overweight or obese as well.
Causes of Eating Disorders- At this time, the exact cause of these disorders are not known. It has been suggested that there could be a number of causes including genetics, emotional health, society and peer pressure.
Treating Eating Disorders- Treating this affliction takes a team of professionals rather than just one. This team usually consists of medical doctors, dieticians and mental health professionals. Specific treatment will depend on the specific disorder but as a general rule, a treatment plan will consist of psychotherapy, nutrition education and medication.
