PHYSICAL
Anorexia Nervosa – This is typically an individual that views themselves as overweight, not matter how thin they may truly be. They will intentionally starve themselves, not how hungry they may become. They may also tend to over exercise in order to burn calories that they are not supplying to their body. Unfortunately, there are some side effects with this disorder, and they are: heart arrhythmias, osteoporosis, and cessation of menstruation (or amenorrhea) (Starr & McMillan, 2012).
Binge Eating – This is when an individual eats abnormally large amounts of food in just a few hours. They will do this at least two times a week for about 6 months or so (Starr & McMillan, 2012). With binge eating also ties in the next disorder.
Bulimia Nervosa – This individual may consume as much as 50,000 calories at one sitting (binge eating) and then intentionally force themselves to vomit, take a laxative, or do both (Starr & McMillan, 2012). Bulimics are the opposite of anorexics, where this disorder is easier to hide from others due to the individual not becoming emaciated. This may cause one to live with this disorder for many years without any detection or help. This disorder holds with it many health issues, such as the erosion of enamel on the teeth due to consistent vomiting and the rupture of the stomach from chronic vomiting. It may also lead to chemical imbalances that could lead to kidney and heart failure.
This is just the physical sides of these disorders, there is also a psychological tie-in, and below we will discuss each.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Anorexia Nervosa – Anorexia tends to be rooted in many psychological and emotional issues, as well as social factors. It was found that many female dancer and athletes may become anorexic in order to attempt to achieve an ultra-thin body that they may deem as crucial to their success. If untreated, ANOREXIA CAN KILL, but individuals that are able to receive treatment are able to return to a healthy weight (Starr & McMillan, 2012).
Binge Eating – Binge eating tends to be tied in with emotional issues. Many times individuals that binge eat do so to try to stop or control emotion pains or scares for their past. Psychological counseling could help one to regain a healthy perspective on food, this includes helping with the healing of the emotional blocks (Starr & McMillan, 2012).
Bulimia Nervosa – Depression is a major factor with many cases researched about this disorder. Psychological counseling and supportive group therapy have been proven to help one suffering with bulimia, although anti-depressants have also been seen to make a difference in some individuals (Starr & McMillan, 2012).
SIGNS OF DISORDER
Anorexia Nervosa – The refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for their age and height. An intense fear of gaining weight and/or becoming fat, despite being underweight. Distorted body image or denial that their current body weight is below a minimum healthy standard. In women, no menstrual periods for at least three months.
Bulimia Nervosa – Binge eating that includes a sense of no control over their behavior. Inappropriate compensating behavior to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or enemas, and excessive exercise. Binging/inappropriate compensating behavior (purging or over-exercising) occurs at least twice a week for 3 months. Over-concern with body weight and shape.
These disorders are a serious issue and could possibly lead to death if they are not treated properly. They are not something to joke about, but to take seriously. Many times these individuals that suffer with an eating disorder are fighting a much larger battle. In some cases they feel as though they have no control in their life, and this is the only thing they CAN control. Please DO NOT judge them by their disorder, instead reach out a hand and help them through the tunnel. Today our society has put a lot of notice on depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but eating disorders are still something that some people don’t take serious enough. As I listed, binge eating is a tough one, since many people don’t really understand what it is. It is, many times what causes one to become overweight. These individuals are using food to hide from emotional trauma or some sort of psychological issue that they are not ready to come to grips with yet. If someone is overweight due to binge eating for psychological or emotional issues, it isn’t as easy and giving them a diet and exercise program, you need to work with them on a different level. It’s all about learning to combine the physical and mental together. Help them shed their psychologically or emotionally troubles, and you will then be able to help them begin to shed the weight. REMEMBER, it ISN’T about how you LOOK, IT IS about your HEALTH!
Reference:
Starr, C. & McMillan, B. (2012). Human biology (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole