Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect millions of teens and young women worldwide and are more common in cultures that focus on weight loss and body image. People who try to be too skinny can become unhealthy which can lead to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. Anorexia is an illness in which the patient has an excessive desire to be thin. The illness forces individuals to keep their body weights at unhealthy levels because they see themselves as overweight.Teens who have anorexia stop having their periods or don’t get it on a regular schedule. Some symptoms of physical anorexia are dramatic weight loss, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, low body temperature, brittle hair and finger nails, hair loss, dry skin dehydration, or slow stunted growth. Emotional effects of anorexia include depression, anxiety, negative body image, due to fear of weight gain, low self esteem, withdrawls from friends, or thinking about food most of the time. Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which involves purging and bingeing as well as a disordered body image. Bingeing means eating a lot of food at one time when you're not hungry then trying to get rid of it by vomiting, taking laxatives or excessively exercising. People with this disorder, may try to hide what they eat from others and feel ashamed of their behavior. Eating disorders can be caused by a combination of social, psychological, family, genetic, and environmental factors. Eating disorders are often associated with feelings of helplessness, sadness, anxiety, and the need to be perfect, which can cause a person to feel the need to lose weight. Eating disorders can be treated by a therapist, doctor, nutritionist or a nurse practitioner. Treatments can be specialized to fit an individuals needs. A medical doctor can keep track of height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. A therapist can help you improve your body image and self esteem. Medication can also help eating disorders if you're suffering from anxiety, or depression. A nutritionist can help you create a safe plan for eating and answer your questions about food. A nutritionist can also help you discuss the harmful myths about food. If you're worried about having an eating disorder, it is recommended that you think positive about your body image, have a healthy diet, exercise for enjoyment. Some people feel the need to be excessively thin because of what they see in magazines, wanting to look like someone else who they admire or if they are getting called fat by people which may lead to any one of these symptoms. It's important to understand that everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, and to love yourself the way you are. If you're worried about having an eating disorder don't be afraid to talk to a friend or doctor. It's important to get help before you get very ill because your life may depend on it. The sooner you get help the sooner you will feel relief from these symptoms or suffer from a serious eating disorder.