Anorexia is a disease in which the victim starves themselves. The starvation is brought on by an extremely poor body image and the person, although they are in no way overweight, believes themselves to be fat. In a continued effort to lose weight, a victim of Anorexia will go on a starvation diet, depriving themselves of all the nourishment a healthy body requires. They will also induce vomiting when forced to eat, begin strange and overly cumbersome exercise regimens and most of all, will lie and hide their actions from others. The reason an individual with Anorexia will lie is because the disease makes them desire the thinnest body possible and they will do whatever they have to to keep thin.

Anorexia is a disorder that affects both males and females, although it is more commonly reported in females. The symptoms of Anorexia can be revealed in the sudden appearance of dramatic weight loss, brittle hair, extremely dry skin from lack of nourishment, the individual partaking in bizarre eating habits (like counting how many times they chew their food), and a poor image of the self.

Bulimia, a cousin to Anorexia, is the result of a poor body image. Yet, with Bulimia the victim will eat massive amounts of food and then work feverishly to rid the body of the food that has been ingested. Bulimia victims will use laxatives, will induce vomiting and will abuse diuretics, all to rid themselves of the food or drink they have taken in. Like Anorexia, Bulimia is extremely dangerous and can eventually result in death. The imbalances created within the body from binging and purging can ultimately affect the heart of the victim, the esophagus can be damaged or ruptured from repeated acts of vomiting, and the enamel can erode from the victims teeth because of repeated vomiting.

Overeating is also a disorder. Some people engage in overeating as a way to quell emotions they have difficulty dealing with while other individuals may overeat because of an addiction to certain foods. Obviously, overeating can result in weight gain and significant weight gain has consequences of its own. For example, high blood pressure, heart trouble, diabetes, and respiratory problem can be caused by obesity.
There are associations aimed at battling disorders that evolve from issues with eating. Such organizations aim to educate the public about the different disorders that exist, the symptoms associated with such disorders and what steps should be taken to help people with disorders that have evolved from food issues. Thus, there is help available for individuals in need and the sooner the victims of such disorders get the help they need, the better off they will be.
A normal person eats according to its hunger and stops eating when he feels the signal of satisfaction. A normal person cannot eat more than his capacity but on the other side an eating disorder is when a person overeats or refuses to eat in order to satisfy a psychic need and not a physical need. The person doesn’t listen to bodily signals or perhaps is not even aware of them.

There are mainly three kinds of eating disorders that are classified as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. Anorexia is associated with a distorted body image; thinking you are fat even though you are underweight. Serious health consequences can result from literal starvation. Bulimia is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging. Binge eating disorder refers to a pattern of consumption of large amounts of food, even when a person is not hungry.

These disorders are now affecting people (both male and female) of all races and socioeconomic groups. Such victims need help and support from professionals and family. If left untreated, these eating disorders cause many physical and emotional problems.

The main symptoms of anorexia are unusual eating habits or refusal to eat normally; excessive weight loss, extreme physical activity; hair, nail or skin problems, depression and low self-esteem, denial of the problem. The symptoms of Bulimia are abuse of laxatives or diuretics, secretive behavior regarding eating habits, weight fluctuations, depression and denial of the problem.

The common circumstances that contribute to the development of eating disorders include: family problems or a troubled home life, major life changes, social problems, trauma. The other psychological factors include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and anger. The interpersonal factors include troubled family and personal relationship, difficulty in expressing emotions and feelings.

The treatment for such disorders is very necessary and it consists of a number of components, which include comprehensive assessment, psychiatric evaluation, coordinated care plan, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and medication.

Eating disorders are not just about food and weight. Often, eating disorders will result from a series of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. People who have an eating disorder will use food as a way of being able to feel as though they have control on their daily lives. For many, the pain of a past or current event is too overwhelming to cope with and so an eating disorder can be a way of coping with the situation by feeling "in control". However, this disease will, in fact, damage a persons physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control.

There are numerous psychological factors that can contribute to an eating disorder. Some of these include feeling inadequate, depression, anxiety, anger and loneliness. All of these factors result in the person not feeling in control of their life.

From a personal and relationship standpoint, individuals may have difficulty expressing feelings and emotions, may have been bullied and teased and may have a history of physical or sexual abuse.

From a societal perspective it is important to note the impact that the media plays in influencing young people in regard to body shape and look. This pressure that teens feel to fit in with the right "look" can have a dramatic effect, resulting in an obsessive approach to appearance, weight, dieting, calories and so on.

The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Scientists are currently examining a link between possible biochemical and biological causes of eating disorders. It has been found that in some individuals with eating disorders, the chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite and digestion have become imbalanced.

Eating disorders can become a destructive disease if not treated so if you suspect that a loved one is displaying any characteristics related to an eating disorder, seek professional help straight away. Research has shown that when dealt with early with intense treatment, eating disorders can be overcome. If left untreated, they can be fatal.
Eating disorders are characterized by a preoccupation with weight that results in severe disturbances in eating and other behaviors. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Other variations of eating disorders occur, such as purging without bingeing, chewing and spitting without purging, and anorexic behavior with less severe weight loss. Most people with eating disorders are females. Males also can develop eating disorders, but do so less frequently. The exception is binge-eating disorder, which appears to affect almost as many males as females. Treatments for eating disorders may involve nutrition education, psychotherapy, family counseling and medications. Signs and symptoms The signs and symptoms of eating disorders vary with the particular type of eating disorder, which include: ? Anorexia nervosa. Essentially self-starvation, this disorder involves a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. In severe cases, anorexia can be life-threatening. ? Bulimia nervosa. This involves repeated episodes of binge eating, followed by ways of trying to purge the food from the body or prevent expected weight gain. People can have this condition and be of normal weight.

Anorexia nervosa

The signs and symptoms of anorexia include:

• Weight loss, sometimes achieved by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, use of diuretics or exercise
• Refusal to maintain normal body weight, sometimes weighing 15 percent or more below normal body weight
• Intense fear of gaining weight ? Negatively altered body image
• In females, menstrual changes or the absence of menstruation
• Anxious or ritualistic behavior at mealtimes
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Irregular heart rate
• Baby-fine hair covering the body (lanugo)
• Mild anemia
• Brittle nails and hair
• Low blood pressure

Bulimia nervosa

The signs and symptoms of bulimia include:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• Feeling that you cant control your eating behavior
• Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack
• Following a binge with efforts to prevent weight gain — such as self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or other medications, fasting or excessive exercise
• Unhealthy focus on your body shape and weight
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Damaged teeth and gums from gastric acid contained in vomit
• Swollen cheeks from regular vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat

Binge-eating disorder

The signs and symptoms of binge-eating disorder include:

• Recurrent episodes of compulsive overeating not followed by purging
• No control over eating behavior
• Feelings of shame or guilt
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Gallbladder disease
• Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Its often difficult to distinguish between an eating disorder and the whims and fads of adolescence. Parents need to be alert to sustained changes in dietary habits, not the occasional quirks that are part of growing up. Many teenage girls, and some teenage boys, go on diets to lose weight and stop dieting after a short time. As a parent, be careful not to mistake occasional dieting with an eating disorder. However, dieting can be a problem when your child stops gaining weight during pre-adolescent years, because your child should be gaining as much as 10 pounds a year.

Other behaviors that may indicate your child has a potential eating disorder:

• Not wanting to eat meals with the family
• Frequent, long visits to the bathroom during or just after meals — your teenage child may run water to obscure the sound of induced vomiting
• Excessive exercise or preoccupation with weight

Many people misunderstand what causes their eating disorders and how dangerous it is and they deny that they even have a problem. When people hear of someone with eating disorders, they almost automatically assume the person has a problem with food. Eating disorders are not a sign that a person has a problem with food, to a certain extent disorders are actually only the symptoms of underlying problems in that persons life. With proper treatment, that person may recover from the disorder.

While it has been found that some eating disorders sufferers have imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite and digestion, potential biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders are still being examined by researchers In addition to biochemical or biological factors, several psychological factors, socio-cultural and interpersonal factors can be attributed as causes of eating disorders. A significant risk factor for the development of eating pathology appears to be represented by low self-esteem. The tendencies to be perfectionist and setting rigid standards for oneself may lead to some eating disorders. Depression, anxiety, emptiness or loneliness, anger and feelings of lack of control in life or feeling of inadequacy are other psychological factors that greatly cause eating disorders.

Socio-cultural factors could be cultural pressures placing extreme value on "thinness" and obtaining the "perfect body". The cultural norms placing emphasis on physical appearance and not on inner strengths and qualities as well as defining beauty as extremely narrow including specific body weights and shapes greatly contributes to the development of eating disorders. Furthermore, media messages encouraging dieting likely lead to high rates of chronic dieting also has some part being played for the risk of having disorders. Eating disorders develop from a variety of causes and they are creating self-perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional destruction. Moreover, all eating disorders require professional help.

Some individuals who have difficulty expressing ones feelings and emotions may add up to other causes that leads to eating disorders. Interpersonal relationships, family disharmony, history if being ridiculed based on body size or weight, history of sexual abuse and/or physical abuse and family factors such as obesity in the family, parental preoccupation with eating and weight, unrealistic expectations achievement are all interpersonal factors that develop eating disorders.

Lastly, the number one stepping stone to eating disorders is dieting and it is important that you put your bad dieting on trash. You have to be real by freeing your body from the possible impact that your dieting is about to give you after. Better off spend your money and your passion on something that really matters to your without you risking your health.

The main types of Eating Disorders are:

• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Binge-Eating Disorder. (Each of these is discussed below)

Whether it is bulimia, anorexia or one of the many other eating disorders, it is important for parents and loved ones to be ever vigilant. It is of course not at all unusual for young girls and even boys to be concerned with their looks and to be unhappy with their weight. When this focus on weight becomes all encompassing, however, an eating disorder could be on the horizon. If the teenager in your life is constantly complaining about the way he or she looks, or constantly trying to lose weight, it may be time to have a long talk about the danger of eating disorders.

There is a great deal of misinformation about bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders among young people, and many young girls and boys severely underestimate the dangers posed by these eating disorders. In fact, eating disorders can cause a host of serious, and permanent, medical conditions, and the nutritional imbalances brought on by bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders can leave those young people at risk of fatal heart attacks and organ breakdowns.

The past few years have been witness to a great deal of research into eating disorders, and doctors are often able to predict who is most at risk of developing an eating disorder. If you feel that someone you love may be at risk, it is a good idea to consult with a trusted physician. Early intervention before an eating disorder has taken hold can help to break the addiction and get the situation under control. It is always better to treat an eating disorder at the beginning stages than to try to repair the damage it has done later on.

No one ever said that dealing with an eating disorder would be easy, but it is certainly important. Conditions like bulimia and anorexia are serious medical problems, and it is important that they be treated with the seriousness they deserve. People can and do die from these conditions, and it is important for those in the persons life to be proactive and to be on the lookout for any potential problems before they have a chance to spiral out of control.

As a parent, you are the most important role model for your children. Here are six ways that you can help prevent an eating disorder from developing in your family.

1. Be positive about your own body. Avoid making negative statements about your body. Children learn from their parents, and may begin to mirror your own dissatisfaction. Be aware that if you demonstrate preoccupation or excessive concern about your weight and physical appearance, your children may begin to mirror this behavior. Even if you find you cannot conquer your own weight obsession, try not to pass it on to your children.

2. If your child expresses concern about their weight, remind them that people come in all shapes and sizes. Remind them that physical appearance is not the most important thing about their identity, and that beauty is not necessarily defined by how thin they are.

3. Avoid the idea of ‘being perfect.’ Studies have shown that individuals who consider themselves perfectionists are more prone to developing an eating disorder. With this finding in mind, parents should take care not to exert too much pressure on their children to be ‘perfect’. While all parents should encourage their children to excel in many areas of life, they should refrain from pressuring their children into the role of sports star or student achiever. Parents should also refrain from reigning in their own instinct to be a perfectionist; parents will often convey the anxieties associated with perfectionism in an unconscious manner to their own children.

4. Model healthy behavior for your children. Children absorb so much of what you say and do, even when you think they are not paying attention. One of the best ways to prevent an eating disorder from developing in your family is by modeling healthy behaviors and making them a permanent part of your life. This means preparing healthy meals and getting some form of regular exercise. Teach your children to eat diverse kinds of foods in moderation. Don’t make them feel guilty for eating certain foods. Also, teach them that exercise need not be a chore, but can be something that is fun.

5. Be informed about the messages your children are receiving from peers, TV, movies, fashion magazines, and other influences in their life. Find out how your children are interpreting messages from their friends and the media. Discuss these messages with them. Many children and young adults receive their idea about beauty from media messages and peers. If this is the case, talk to your children about the unrealistic standards that these messages seem to convey, and work to counteract these messages.

Compulsive over-eating is a problem that can affect anyone. Males and females both face problems with the disorder, although it does tend to occur more often in females than in males. Those who are compulsive over-eaters often resort to food as a comfort, often indulging all too much and gorging on food. After the period of binge-eating, the individual is left feeling depressed and guilty. People with the disorder often do not stop eating when they are full, and continue to eat well past the time. While everyone pigs out at one time or another, there are some signs that you may want to check for to see if you are, in fact, a compulsive over-eater.

One of the main warning signs for a condition of over-eating is the desire to eat when not physically hungry. Also, those who are compulsive over-eaters often eat their foods in a frenzied manner, and may find themselves finishing their meals well before those who they are eating with. If you find that you are eating to a point at which you are uncomfortable with how full you are, you may be experiencing the disorder. Individuals with compulsive over-eating problems often have fluctuations within their weight, and they may feel embarrassed or disgusted with their problem.

While compulsive over-eating may seem like a problem that isn’t very serious, there are numerous negative side-effects that the disorder can have upon your health. Eating too much can result in problems such as heightened cholesterol levels, type II diabetes, and heart disease. The mental strain that is placed upon one that is a compulsive over-eater can also be a threat. Poor self image pervades in those with the problem, and it’s a really tough problem to get over if counseling is not employed. To that end, if you suspect that someone that you care about is an over-eater, it’s important to discuss the problem with them. Discuss the problem in a serious tone, but be sure to show your love and compassion to the person, who is likely suffering both mentally and physically. Professional counseling has shown to be of much merit when it comes to helping people to get over their problems with over-eating. If left untreated, over-eaters may continue their cycle of pain, causing the problem to grow. It’s a self perpetuating cycle in which one feels guilty because they eat so much, which causes them to eat more to drown their sorrows the best way that they know how.

Risk Factors of eating disorders

Eating Disorders are most commonly experienced by adolescent females and young women, but they also occur (at much lower rates) in males and people of all ages and across all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
People with Eating Disorders generally tend to exhibit one or more of the following:

1. Low self esteem.
2. A need to seek the approval of others.
3. Difficulties in expressing needs and feelings, including anger and anxiety.
4. Perfectionism
5. Difficulties being assertive with others.
6. A desire to diet.

There is no single cause for any Eating Disorder. Indeed, the causes for Eating Disorders are often highly complex, and include a range of diverse factors, including: social / cultural factors, psychological factors, biological factors, family factors, and, various other external or precipitating factors which all play a part, to varying degrees, in causing the Eating Disorder in different people. Each of these are discussed below.

Social / Cultural Factors include:

idealization of thinness,focus on appearance,weight loss, fashion, fitness cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries etc, media representations of happy, thin, successful people, socialization of women and men.
And these can create enormous pressures on people, especially young people, who feel a desperate need to conform to the portrayed stereotype for thin, successful people.

Family Factors

A range of Family Factors can have an enormous influence on a person, and can be incredibly important during as person’s recovery from an Eating Disorder. Family Factors include:
Communication within the family, such as how the family deals with feelings.
Attitudes concerning the importance of appearance, achievement, etc.
The Parent’s own body image attitudes and dieting behavior.

Biological Factors

Biological Factors may include:
A person’s predisposition to imbalances in serotonin (a neuro-transmitter involved in mood and brain function).
Reduced blood flow to the temporal lobe.
Fasting, over-exercise, and vomiting may affect chemicals which are involved in mood control.

Individual Factors A range of Individual Factors can also play an important role in the development of an Eating Disorder, such as:

• People with high or overly high personal expectations
• Belief that for someone to love them, they must be perfect.
• Self-esteem issues
• High need for approval from others
• Social anxiety
• People who find it difficult to express their feelings or needs.
• People who find it difficult to be assertive.
• A range of personality factors, which may be affected by malnutrition.

A range of External or Precipitating Factors may also be involved in the onset of an Eating Disorder, such as:

• A life crisis, such as a family loss, a friendship loss, moving to a new home, school or job, personal disappointment etc.
• Accumulation of relatively minor stress causing factors. In addition, cultural, family, and other individual factors may intensify at various times, causing heightened levels of stress.
• Dieting
• A history of abuse.
• Uncertainty

Warning Signs

In addition to the signs and symptoms for each type of Eating Disorder , a range of warning signs can also indicate the possible development of an Eating Disorder. The possible early warning signs of Eating Disorders may include one or more of the following:   

• Adoption of slow eating strategies, such as eating with a teaspoon.
• Anxiety.
• Avoidance of social situations involving food.
• Depression.
• Dieting or overeating.
• Disappearance of large amounts of food, food wrappers in bins, and so on.
• Excessive or fluctuating exercise patterns.
• Faintness, dizziness, fatigue.
• Fast eating.
• Fear of becoming overweight.
• Feelings of being out of control with respect to food.
• Hoarding food.
• Increased interest in preparing food for others.
• Irritability.
• Loss or disturbance of menstrual periods (females).
• Making frequent excuses not to eat. Mood changes or mood swings.
• Obsessive rituals, such as only drinking out of a certain cup, only eating certain foods on certain days, and so on.
• Over eating.
• Preoccupation with ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods.
• Pre-occupation with body appearance or weight. Radical change in clothing style.
• Regular trips to the bathroom after meals – may be to regurgitate the food just eaten?
• Sensitivity to the cold, especially when this id because someone is too thin.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Social withdrawal and social isolation.
• Spending most of the meal time rearranging food on plate, without actually consuming much of it.
• Wearing baggy clothes.
• Weight loss or change, mostly due to dieting, but sometimes from a stressful situation or illness.

Many of the behaviors that are associated with Eating Disorders are secretive, hard to spot, or can be dismissed as someone "going through puberty". As such, it is not uncommon for an Eating Disorder to go undetected. In addition, some Eating Disorders are hard to detect for other reasons. For example, Bulimia can be very difficult to detect as the sufferer may be of normal or fluctuating body weight, and they may be good at hiding or disguising the signs and symptoms that may associate them with Bulimia. The symptoms of an Eating Disorder may be the first indications that the sufferer is experiencing psychological problems and distress. Some people exhibit many signs of an Eating Disorder, while others may exhibit only a few.

Complications and Effects

Eating Disorders can place a tremendous emotional strain on sufferers. If left unattended and untreated, Eating Disorders can destroy the quality of a sufferer’s life and be potentially life threatening.
For example, the complications associated with Anorexia and other Eating Disorders can have an extreme affect on a person’s health and well being, and the complications may include cardiac arrest, suicide, and a range of other extreme health, physical, and/or psychological issues.
For most Eating Disorder sufferers, however, the complications will hopefully be a lot more mild than this, but they may include:
Complications caused by Food Restriction and Starvation
Complications caused by Vomiting
Complications caused by Laxative Misuse
Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Eating Disorders
Each of these complication areas are discussed below.

Complications caused by Food Restriction and Starvation

Food Restriction and Starvation can be a symptom of several types of Eating Disorder, especially Anorexia. The complications caused by Food Restriction and Starvation may include any of the following:
Abdominal pain.
Anemia (iron deficiency).
Cardiac irregularities.
Changes in hair, skin and nails. For example, nails may become dry and brittle.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Easy bruising.
Fainting.
Fertility problems and even infertility.
Growth of down-like body hair.
Headaches.
Heartburn.
Hormonal irregularities.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) which can cause confusion, illogical thinking, coma, shakiness, irritability and fatigue.
Kidney dysfunction.
Muscle wasting and/or weakness
Oedema (retention of body fluid giving a ‘puffy’ appearance – see section 16 Glossary of Terms).
Reduced bone density, possibly leading to osteoporosis.
Reduced concentration, memory and thinking ability.
Reduced metabolic rate leading to slow heart rate, low blood pressure, reduced body temperature and bluish colored extremities.
Severe sensitivity to the cold.
Stunting of growth and/or height.

Complications caused by Vomiting

Vomiting can be a symptom of several types of Eating Disorder, especially Anorexia and Bulimia. The complications caused by vomiting may include any of the following:
Abdominal pain.
Bloating.
Cramps – see electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolyte imbalance resulting in cardiac arrhythmia, muscle fatigue, and cramps.
Enlarged salivary glands.
Erosion of tooth enamel.
Heartburn.
Indigestion.
Muscle fatigue – see electrolyte imbalance.
Sore throat.

Complications caused by Laxative Misuse

Laxative misuse can be a symptom of several types of Eating Disorder, especially Anorexia and Bulimia. The complications caused by laxative misuse may include any of the following:
Abdominal and stomach cramps.
Bleeding, this can lead to anemia.
Bowel disease.
Bowel problems.
Constipation.
Dehydration – which can be very serious and may impair body functioning.
Diarrhea.
Electrolyte imbalance resulting in cardiac arrhythmia, muscle fatigue, and cramps.
Weakening of the bowel which may to lead difficultly with bowel movements.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Eating Disorders

A range of motional and psychological consequences can be caused by all types of Eating Disorder, and the resulting complications may include any of the following:
Anxiety and anxiety disorders
Depression
Difficulty with relationships
Drug abuse and drug misuse
Guilt
Impaired achievements at school, work, and so on.
Irritability.
Lack of assertiveness
moodiness
Obsessive behavior
Reduced quality of life
Self-dislike and even self-loathing
Sensitivity to criticism
Social isolation and social withdrawal
Suicidal tendencies, thoughts, or behavior

Prevention

Preventing Eating Disorder can be very difficult. However, ensuring that your friends, family and children are emotionally and mentally prepared to deal with the challenges of modern life and are able to confront the potential causes of Eating Disorders in general (see section 9 Causes above) is a good start towards preventing the development of Eating Disorders in the people you care most about. For example, regularly discuss sensible eating and nutritional habits with your children and family and ensure that your children are exposed to realistic body images.
If you suspect that any of your family or friends may have developed, or may be developing, an eating disorder (see section 10 Warning Signs above), then you can play a key part in providing the support and assistance that they will need in order to gain the courage to research and weigh up their behavior, seek a formal diagnosis, and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, to begin treatment. The sooner the Eating Disorders is diagnosed and appropriate treatments begun, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Early treatment can help prevent much or even all of the health, social, mental, and other damage and complications that can occur as a result of an Eating Disorder.

What can you do if you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from nocturnal eating disorder? The most important thing is to get an accurate diagnosis. Visit your doctor so that they will conduct a physical examination and take note of all your symptoms. Your doctor may order you to spend a night in a sleep lab. There are many treatment options available for nocturnal eating disorder. Physicians recommend that patients follow several preventative measures in order to keep nocturnal eating sessions at bay. Here are some of the most helpful tips for anyone who might be suffering from a nocturnal eating disorder.

Exercise. Exercise has been proven to be beneficial for victims of nocturnal eating disorder. Even just a few minutes of movement and exercise each day can make a significant difference. Easy exercises that you can try include walking, bicycling, and dancing. Making just a few simple changes in your everyday routine can help you become more active. Try parking further away from the store when you go shopping, and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Try to get in all your exercise in the morning. If you exercise in the evening, it might interfere with your ability to fall asleep.

Avoid caffeine and other stimulating substances. Don’t drink coffee; consume chocolate, soda, or other caffeinated or sugar-rich drinks near bedtime. Also, avoid any medications that you know interfere with your normal sleeping pattern. Many over the counter and prescription medications can interrupt with your sleeping pattern. Also, alcohol and nicotine can make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Instead of consuming anything that may be stimulating, drink warm milk instead.

Take a warm bath before bedtime. A warm bath can be relaxing and signals the body that it’s time to wind down for the day. However, showers should be avoided right before bedtime, as these can be stimulating.

Consult your health professional for medications that can help. Nocturnal eating disorder can be helped through the use of specific medications. These include medications such as anti-depressants, including the drug Wellbutrin. Certain anti-seizure medications have also proven beneficial for counteracting the symptoms of nocturnal eating disorder. However, sedatives should be avoided; these can worsen the condition.

Doctor Naresh Mondraty of the University of New South Wales presented the results of a research study that his team had conducted at the school. The study consisted of several anorexic women who were shown pictures of their own body and pictures of other women’s bodies. Brain scans were taken as the girls were looking at the images, and the researchers found astonishing results. As it turns out, when the girls looked at images of their own body, certain parts of their brain simply ‘shut down’, showing that the girls pattern of thought regarding their self image was largely negative. The suppression of the brain activity shown in the brain scans proved that the girls were chemically depressed about their own appearance, even when they were well below their recommended body weight.

This study can help to show why it is so hard for anorexics to recover from their problems. Since the girls’ brain activity showed that their bodies resulted in serious changes in the way the brain was functioning, it can be a difficult cycle to break. While we’ve always known that anorexia existed on a largely psychological level, the neurological connections that this study has shown should prove to take some of the shame away from the disease. It shows that anorexia nervosa is a serious problem with one’s physical and mental health that can be very difficult to conquer. The girls in the study showed that regardless of what the world said about their bodies, they honestly felt disgusted by their own appearance. Hopefully, the light that this shines upon the eating disorder’s basic chemistry will prove to be of merit in helping to solve the problem in the future.

The following are five ideas for improving your body image. Practice them daily to make them a part of your life forever.

1. Wear clothes that fit and flatter. Are you one of those people whose closet is filled with clothes that don’t fit right? Many times, we buy what we like, and not what fits or flatters our bodies. Find clothes that you feel comfortable in. Your clothes should make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Avoid tight fitting clothes, or anything that feels even slightly uncomfortable or self-conscious.

2. Don’t avoid certain activities because of your body. Many people who are self-conscious about their body often avoid activities they love. Many individuals may avoid certain sports, fitness classes, dating and even social gatherings because of the way they feel about your body. Remind yourself that ostracizing yourself from the people and activities your love is not going to change your body or make you feel better. In fact, the opposite is true. Creating a supportive community of friends and family, and doing activities you are interested in can make you feel more secure and confident.

3. Helping others can make you feel better about yourself. Consider participating in some kind of volunteer work as a way to help others and feel better about you. Volunteer work can help put you in touch with those who need help, and helping others is a proactive and positive way to raise your self-esteem.

4. Think of your body as your best friend. Eating disorder patients often externalize their own bodies, viewing it as something outside of themselves that they must battle and subdue. Instead, think of your body as a best friend. Would you criticize or even despise your own best friend? Would you support and nurture a good friend, or them poorly? When you think of your body as your best friend, it makes sense to treat it with a sense of respect, love, patience and acceptance.

5. Make a list of all the things you love about your body. Write down everything that comes to mind, even things that seem insignificant to you at first. Read your list daily and add to it at all times. This list can serve as a powerful reminder of your inner strength, beauty and health.