 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
|
It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder The term "Eating disorder" refers to a variety of psychiatric illnesses common in our society today. The three most common types include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Each disorder involves unrealistic, distorted thinking about appearance, body weight, and food. Obsessive behaviors in eating and exercise result which can significantly effect health by causing nutritional deficiencies and impaired body function. In fact, eating disorders are known to have the highest death rate of any mental illness. Having any type of eating disorder is serious and requires treatment.
Low self esteem appears to be the most common trait seen in people suffering from all eating disorders. In addition, the following key characteristics for the individual types are observed:
In this article, you will find information on:
Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are most common in females and usually starts between the ages of 12 and 25. However, people of all ages may develop these disorders. For every 1 male with anorexia or bulimia nervosa there are 9 females. However, binge eating disorder is as common among males as females. Eating disorders occur among all ethnic groups and income levels.
Anorexia Nervosa: weight loss and refusal to maintain normal body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, a negative body image, menstrual changes or the absence of menstruation, fatigue and depression. There are 2 types of anorexia nervosa: restricting subtype where individuals significantly reduce their intake, fast, or skip meals; and binge eating/purging subtype, where individuals regularly binge eat or purge (e.g., self-induced vomiting).
Bulimia Nervosa: recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating much more food than what most people would eat during a similar period of time and feeling a lack of control), recurrent purging in order to prevent weight gain (e.g., self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or other medications, fasting or excessive exercise), unhealthy attitude toward body shape and weight, dehydration, fatigue, depression.
Binge eating disorder: recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating much more food than what most people would eat during a similar period of time and feeling a lack of control) that are not followed by purging, eating beyond the point of feeling very full, eating more rapidly than normal, feelings of shame or guilt.
A number of factors predispose some people toward eating disorders. Eating disorders run in families and may have a genetic component. Gender is a risk factor. Teenage girls and young women are more likely than teenage boys and young men to develop eating disorders (possibly as the result of how our society defines beauty and the importance places on body image). However, with increasing pressure in society for males to also meet a specific body image, the number of male's suffering from eating disorders appears to be rising.
Other common risk factors include individuals of any age, gender, race or ethnicity who have:
Treatments vary but generally include a multidisciplinary approach that includes psychotherapy, family counseling, nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian (RD), medications and medical care. Depending on the severity of the eating disorder, individuals may need intensive outpatient treatments or require hospitalization.
Individuals who participate in highly competitive athletic activities (usually with body image and weight requirements) are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder. At particular risk of anorexia nervosa are females in sports such as gymnastics, figure skating, track, swimming, and dance
Males who participate in wrestling, bodybuilding, running, swimming, cycling, and even football are also at higher risk for an eating disorder.
The earlier an eating disorder is identified and treated, the better the long-term outcome. Unfortunately, individuals with eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, deny that they have a problem so seeking medical advice may come only at the insistence of a family member or friend.
If you or someone you care about loses a great deal of weight, feels worse-not better-about their body after losing weight or alternates between binge eating and strict dieting, see your doctor to find out whether you or your loved one has an eating disorder. Purging by vomiting is never part of a normal diet and can have serious health consequences.
Parents shouldn't feel shy about sharing their concerns with their child even though many children will initially deny that there is a problem. Involve your pediatrician in monitoring your child's weight, assessing their health status and referring you to nutritional and mental health resources. Parents should also institute family meal times, close supervision after meals and set strict limits around unhealthy dieting behavior.
Unfortunately, concerns about body image are the norm among girls and women in our society. Only about a quarter of females feel satisfied with their weight and appearance. Body image disturbance occurs on a continuum with only those on the extreme end developing eating disorders. However, even those who do not have eating disorders may have their sense of self diminished by negative thoughts about their weight and shape.
Many children will complain occasionally about some aspect of their appearance or weight. However, preoccupation with such thoughts, extreme dieting or avoidance of regular activities due to body image concerns may require further intervention.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Jan 28, 2008
|
Jane Korsberg, MS, RD, LD Senior Instructor Department of Nutrition School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
|
|
|
Leslie J Heinberg, PhD Clinical Director, Associate Professor Healthy Kids, Healthy Weight University Hospitals School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
|
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
|