What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are illnesses in which the people experience severe
disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. People with eating disorders
typically become pre-occupied with food and their body weight.
Although the term eating is in the name, eating disorders are about more than
food. They’re complex mental health conditions that often require the intervention of medical and
psychological experts to alter their course.
Types of Eating Disorders
What Causes Them?
Experts believe that eating disorders may be caused by a variety of factors.
One of these is genetics. Twin and adoption studies involving twins who were separated at birth and
adopted by different families provide some evidence that eating disorders may be hereditary.
This type of research has generally shown that if one twin develops an eating disorder, the other has a
50% likelihood of developing one too, on average
Other potential causes include perceived pressures to be thin, cultural
preferences for thinness, and exposure to media promoting such ideals.
In fact, certain eating disorders appear to be mostly nonexistent in cultures that haven't been exposed
to Western ideals of thinness.
That said, culturally accepted ideals of thinness are very present in many areas of the world. Yet, in
some countries, few individuals end up developing an eating disorder. Thus, they are likely caused by a
mix of factors.
More recently, experts have proposed that differences in brain structure and
biology may also play a role in the
development of eating disorders. In particular, levels of the brain messengers serotonin and dopamine
may be factors.
Anorexia
Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply
called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body
weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight.
People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape,
using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with their lives.
To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight,
people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They
may control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet
aids, diuretics or enemas. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively.
No matter how much weight is lost, the person continues to fear weight gain.
Anorexia isn't really about food. It's an extremely unhealthy
and sometimes life-threatening way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have
anorexia, you often equate thinness with self-worth.
Anorexia, like other eating disorders, can take over your life
and can be very difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of
who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious
complications.
Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia may include:
Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms may include:
Unfortunately, many people with anorexia don't want
treatment, at least initially. Their desire to remain thin overrides concerns
about their health. If you have a loved one you're worried about, urge her or him
to talk to a doctor.
If you're experiencing any of the problems listed above,
or if you think you may have an eating disorder, get help. If you're hiding your
anorexia from loved ones, try to find a person you trust to talk to about what's
going on.
Bulimia
Bulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa, commonly called bulimia,
is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may
secretly binge — eating large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating
— and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way.
To get rid of calories and prevent weight gain, people with
bulimia may use different methods. For example, you may regularly self-induce vomiting
or misuse laxatives, weight-loss supplements, diuretics or enemas after bingeing. Or
you may use other ways to rid yourself of calories and prevent weight gain, such as
fasting, strict dieting or excessive exercise.
If you have bulimia, you're probably preoccupied with your weight
and body shape. You may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws.
Because it's related to self-image — and not just about food — bulimia can be hard to
overcome. But effective treatment can help you feel better about yourself, adopt healthier
eating patterns and reverse serious complications.
Bulimia signs and symptoms may include:
If you have any bulimia symptoms, seek medical help as
soon as possible. If left untreated, bulimia can severely impact your health.
Talk to your primary care provider or a mental health
professional about your bulimia symptoms and feelings. If you're reluctant to seek
treatment, confide in someone about what you're going through, whether it's a friend
or loved one, a teacher, a faith leader, or someone else you trust. He or she can help
you take the first steps to get successful bulimia treatment.
