Every single hour at least one person dies as direct result from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are the most deadly psychiatric disorder. According to the Government of Canada, eating disorders are characterized by body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, dieting and family social support deficit. This disorder usually develops in teenage years and young adulthood. Perfectionist attitude toward school or work, low self-esteem, and distorted body image are some of the common attribute to someone with an eating disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa – also called anorexia- is an medical condition, in which the patient starves themselves in the desire of losing weight. Around 1% of teenage girls suffer from anorexia.
Some of signs and symptoms of anorexia (according to Mayoclinic) are:
Physical
- Extreme weight loss
- Thin appearance
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/Fainting
- Bluish extremities
- Hair that falls out
- Absence of menstruation
- Osteoporosis
- Dry and yellow tinted skin
- Intolerance of cold
Behavior (psychological)
- Dieting and fasting and/or excessive exercise
- Preoccupation with food
- Denial to hunger
- Refusal to eat
- Extreme fear to gain weight
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of emotions
Long term complications
- Heart problems
- Bone loss, which increases the risks of fractures
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a disorder in which someone eats uncontrollably for a short period of time on recurring basis.The binge eating disorder affects 1.6% of American teenagers (1). According to Womenshealth.gov, as many as 4 million Americans have the binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder affects women slightly more often than men. The majority of people suffering from BED also suffer from obesity.
Some of signs and symptoms (according to Mayoclinic) are:
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as over a 2-hour period
- Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control
- Eating even when you're full or not hungry
- Eating rapidly during binge episodes
- Eating until you're uncomfortably full
- Frequently eating alone or in secret
- Feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating
- Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss
Long term complications (according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration)
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic kidney problems or kidney failure
- High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa (bulimia) is similar to the binge eating disorder, however someone with bulimia will purge (by vomiting or by using laxatives) after the binge in order to prevent weight gain. According to the NEDA, Bulimia nervosa affects 1-2% of adolescent and young adult women.
Some of signs and symptoms (according to the Mayoclinic) are:
- Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight
- Living in fear of gaining weight
- Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
- Eating until the point of discomfort or pain
- Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack
- Forcing yourself to vomit or exercise too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing
- Misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas after eating
- Restricting calories or avoiding certain foods between binges
- Using dietary supplements or herbal products excessively for weight loss
Long term complications
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
- Tooth decay
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse
In closing
In the final analysis, eating disorders are a serious illness that can cause severe complications and even death. This type of disorder can also ruin your relationship with your loved ones. The world must try to prevent and raise awareness to this serious illness.
World eating disorder day is on June 2, 2017. Use the hashtag #WorldEatingDisordersDay and take a stand against eating disorders.
Written by Naomi Duggan
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