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by Tina Rideout
Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia
The incidences of eating disorders in our society have
been steadily increasing over the last few years. It
now occurs in 1 out of every 100 women. Nineteen out
of 20 people who suffer from eating disorders are young
women between 18 and 25.
Studies have found that our social habits and expectations
increase the likelihood of the disorder in our young
women. The emphasis on outward appearances and thinness
are targeted daily through peer pressure and how our
society markets its Health and Fitness Products and
Services.
Yes obesity is definitely a problem in our society,
and we have guidelines for Health and Nutrition, but
the majority of young women fail to follow the guidelines
in an effort to gain immediate gratification or have
had abnormal eating habits throughout their lifetime.
Anorexia Nervosa:
Case Study:
Jennifer is 20 years old. She is very attractive and
has always been an over achiever. From an early age
she prided herself on her figure. She watched her diet,
exercised daily and maintained a regiment of self-discipline.
She has always been thin, but has never been satisfied
with her weight or appearance. She continually strives
to lose more weight. She is 5’ 6” and weighs
85 lbs.
Jennifer is unaware of the fact that she is undernourished,
therefore she sees no problem with her appearance or
weight.
How does this happen??
Learned behavior has a great deal to do with why this
happens. Many young women develop anorexia-like patterns
as our society is pressured with the pursuit of thinness.
Many women are anorexic based on the eating patterns
they have developed by trying to accomplish unrealistic
weight goals.
Fashion models, long distance runners, women athletes
and dancers commonly have anorexia-like traits.
1. An intense fear of becoming obese. Even as they lose
more weight.
2. Inaccurate vision of how their bodies appear. Feeling
fat when in actuality they are very thin and emaciated.
3. Continual weight loss. 25% or more of their original
body weight.
4. Refusal to gain weight, which would place them in
a normal body weight range.
Physical Dangers:
A rigorous dieting regime will send the body into starvation
mode. Then the physical effects will start to manifest
themselves:
Thyroid hormones will become abnormal. Adrenal, growth
hormones and blood-pressure hormones also become abnormal.
Heart functions change. The heart pumps less efficiently,
muscles become weak and thin. Heart rhythms many change.
Blood pressure levels fall.
GI function can become abnormal. Diarrhea occurs as
the lining of the digestive tract slow.
High levels of Vitamin A and Carotene in the blood.
Reduced levels of Protein.
An increase in fine body hair, skin dryness and deceased
skin temperatures.
Brain activity becomes abnormal. Loss of sleep and feeling
of never having enough rest.
Anorexia Nervosa is hard to diagnose, because almost
everyone in our society is in pursuing thinness. Denial
and deception are common place for young women with
Anorexia, therefore it takes a skilled professional
to diagnose Anorexia.
Bulimia
Bulimia occurs in women of all ages, but is more common
among those under 30. Bulimia is more common than Anorexia
and in males. Only a small percentage of people who
are Bulimic show signs of Anorexia.
Case Study:
Carry is a women in her late twenties, she maintain
a normal weight range and obsesses about food. She starves
herself then binges, when she has eaten too much she
vomits.
Carry, like 60% of people with Bulimia, starts to binge
after a period of extreme dieting. The most popular
binge foods are food that are high in sugar and fat,
and are easy to eat in large amounts. (cookies, cakes,
ice cream, and bread products)
The side effects of the binge eating are swollen hands
and feet, bloating, fatigue, headaches, nausea and pain.
Physical Dangers:
Fluid and Electrolyte imbalances.
Abnormal Heart rhythms
Kidney dysfunction which can cause bladder infections
and kidney failure.
Irritation to the pharynx, esophagus, and salivary glands.
Erosion of teeth and dental caries.
Use of laxatives can cause injury to the intestinal
tract.
Bulimia has been described as a socially approved method
of weight control. Practiced among women in the upper-classes
because of social obligations which include many dinners
and parties.
Both Anorexia and Bulimia are socially generated eating
disorders generated by our need for the “perfect
image”, resulting in self-destructive eating patterns.
Listen to your Body, it is Wiser than you Think. Respect
your own unique traits and Diet sensibly.
Resources:
WebMD
http://my.webmd.com
Eating Disorder Treatment and Helpline
http://edhelpline.com
National Eating Disorders Association
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Anorexia and Bulimia Care
http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.co.uk
About the Author
Written by Tina M. Rideout, For more information about
Health and Fitness visit:
http://clean-living-nutritional-supplements.com
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