Eating Disorders

If you know of someone that is enduring an eating disorder, there is help for such individuals. An eating disorder can be dangerous and it can ultimately lead to poor health and death. There are three primary eating disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, and Overeating. Although the latter is rarely viewed as an eating disorder, but because overeating can lead to dangerous health effects, it too must be counted among eating disorders.

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

Tips for Dealing with Your Own or Someone Else’s Eating Disorder

A recent survey provided the alarming fact that a remarkable 70% of us are unhappy with our bodies, and body image problems are being seen in younger and younger children. In fact, eating disorders have been seen in girls well before their teens, and a growing number of boys are experiencing eating disorders as well. That is why it is important for every parent to constantly be on the lookout for signs of common eating disorders.

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.

Parents are Key to Preventing an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can be difficult to treat. In many cases, an eating disorder will develop slowly over time, with symptoms progressively becoming more severe. Many times, the compulsive nature of the eating disorder will become obvious at the most early stages of the condition. It is during these early stages that intervention may be most possible. Parents play a key role in preventing eating disorders in their children. Health professionals tell us that parents who are capable of maintaining a healthy attitude toward their own bodies empower children to do the same.

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.

Improving Your Body Image and Preventing Eating Disorders

Improving one’s body image, health professionals tell us, is one of the best ways to prevent the onset of an eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious conditions that can be difficult to treat because health professionals do not yet understand precisely how these complex disorders develop. Why do some people develop eating disorders, while others don’t? While many health professionals have put forth many causes for these disorders, no one understands the specific combination of factors that contribute to the onset of an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are the three most common types of eating disorders. All are characterized by an unhealthy relationship to food, and health professionals believe that cultivating a positive body image and adopting a healthy lifestyle may prevent eating disorders.

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.

Helping a Loved One With an Eating Disorder

If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, you may be wondering how you should approach this sensitive matter. Most people suffering with an eating disorder will try to hide the symptoms from even their closest friends and family members. Confronting a person with an eating disorder can be a difficult thing to do. Once you’ve made the decision, here are a few ideas to get you through this difficult endeavor.

First, remember that you are doing the right thing about trying to help a friend. Providing unconditional support can be very important to someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. You can be the lifeline for someone who is troubled. Adopt an attitude that is open, caring and non-judgmental. Never criticize someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. Often, this will only make an individual further cut him or herself off from their friend and family network. Always proceed with the ability to be sensitive and open to your friend’s thoughts and anxieties. Don’t make your friend feel guilty about their behavior, or simply lecture them on the dangers of eating disorders.

If you decide to speak with a friend or loved one with an eating disorder, it helps to learn more about eating disorders in general. This can help you anticipate any problems or concerns that your friend may bring up in the course of the discussion. However, don’t use your new knowledge about eating disorders to try to scare or lecture your friend. Simply express your concerns. Tell your friend what behaviors you have observed, and be prepared to back up these assertions with specific examples. Many eating disorder patients who are first confronted about their condition may try to deny or justify their symptoms. Be calm but persistent about relating your observations to your friend.

Always find a quiet place to speak to a friend or loved one about an eating disorder. Make sure you can meet some place where you won’t be interrupted. Be caring and open, avoiding any body language that may be interrupted negatively by your friend. Gently ask your friend if he or she would be willing to speak to a health professional about their body image concerns. Stress the fact that there exist many health professionals dedicated to treating eating disorders, and that such a person can help them with their own concerns.

If you feel uncomfortable about confronting your friend with the idea of visiting a health professional, at the very least you should try to get them to talk about their feelings. Ask them to describe how they feel about food, and how they feel when they engage in compulsive behavior, such as not eating, overeating, binging, purging, and over-strenuous exercise. Many times, simply getting the person to open up about their problem can relieve much of the secret shame and stress that often accompanies eating disorders. However, if you find that your meeting is not fruitful, take a break and try again at a later time.

Five Ways Parents Can Prevent Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect people from all social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. However, eating disorders tend to affect young people more than any other age group. Because eating disorders often develop during the often-difficult period of the adolescent years, it is imperative that parents take a proactive role in helping prevent the onset of an eating disorder in the family. Researchers have found that parents can play an important role in helping their children cultivate a healthy and well-balanced approach to food and weight issues.

1. Avoid using food as reward. Many families innocently reward their children with food after they have achieved an accomplishment. Many times, these types of ‘reward’ foods tend to be laden with sugar and high in fat. While there is nothing wrong with having a celebration that involves food, parents should try not to make food a primary source of rewards. Conversely, food should also not be used as a punishment. These types of behaviors encourage an unhealthy relationship with food.

2. Encourage your child to develop interests and abilities that they are interested in. By encouraging your children to develop their own hobbies and special skills, you are helping them develop their potential and talents. Children and young adults who are invested in their own hobbies and activities tend to have better self-esteem, and are less likely to become preoccupied with issues of weight and physical appearance.

3. Learn your child’s eating patterns and emotional behavior. Early intervention can be key in preventing many of the health complications that often accompany eating disorders. Parents can help prevent these complications by learning to identify their child’s emotional behavior. This means that parents should be able to note changes in mood, and bouts with depression and anxiety. Parents should also be able to note any changes in their child’s eating patterns. People with eating disorders sometimes avoid eating with other family members. They may eat alone, and stash food in secret places for a later time. Parents should make sure their children are eating regular, balanced meals.

4. Prepare family meals together. When parents spend time with their children, it provides valuable time to communicate. Preparing family meals together is a wonderful opportunity to open up the lines of communication between parent and child. Moreover, preparing meals together is a great way to teach your children about eating well.

5. Avoid dieting and putting your child on a diet. Dieting creates a sense of deprivation that can be unhealthy and promote dissatisfaction with one’s body. Parents should avoid putting their children on diets. Instead, they should seek fun outdoor activities that they can do together, and learn to prepare healthy meals. If you feel your child does need to lose weight, consult your family physician for safe and effective recommendations for losing weight. Also, parents should avoid dieting themselves. Parents who are preoccupied with their weight and dieting may be unconsciously transmitting these attitudes to their children, even if they are not aware of doing so.

Five Ways to Control Eating Disorders

Ideally, eating disorders should be treated by a trained health professional as soon as the problem is detected. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Many patients resist professional help, or are in denial about their condition. An eating disorder is a serious condition that rarely improves on its own, and these conditions can pose serious permanent health risks, even death. However, if professional help is not sought out immediately, there are certain things a patient can do while arranging for medical and psychological help. Here are six things an eating disorder patient can do to help prevent serious and permanent health damage.

1. Spend times with friends, family members, and loved ones every day. If you suffer from an eating disorder, spending time with those you love and trust can do much for your physical, spiritual and psychological health. Make it a point to spend time with those you love every single day, even if it’s only to go to a movie or to run errands. Spending time with those you love can not only help lift your spirits, it can help distract you from potential triggers that can lead to emotional eating, excessive exercising, or stringent dieting and eating habits.

2. Get busy. Fill your schedule with things you love to do. If you have a lot of time on your own, sign up for a class you think you will enjoy or consider doing volunteer work. Filling all the holes in your schedule with work and fun can help keep you healthy.

3. Keep close track of your feelings. Emotional eating, dieting, and excessive exercising are often triggered by strong feelings, such as frustration, depression, loneliness, sadness, and anger. One way to keep track of how you feel is to practice a routine of daily journal writing. Writing down your feelings, no matter how negative, can greatly help relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompany them.

4. Also keep track of "self-talk." Self-talk refers to the little voice in your head that is often critical and negative. Becoming conscious of negative self-talk can help the eating disorder patient diffuse the power of such talk.

5. Strive for a healthy well balanced diet, and avoid dieting at all costs. Dieting relies on deprivation, and deprivation often leads to frustration and other negative emotions. Instead of thinking of food in terms of dieting, consider adopting an overall healthy diet that strives for moderation. Eat a variety of fresh foods, and try to eat your meals in the company of others rather than eating alone.

6. Limit the amount of exercise you do. If the patient is prone engaging in a too-strenuous exercise routine, they should limit their exercise sessions to a maximum of thirty minutes. Eating disorder patients should seek out activities that they will enjoy, rather than engage in strenuous or competitive activities. Non-competitive sports activities and other fun activities like dancing and walking can be beneficial and restore the patient’s understanding of movement as something joyous.