Exposing Eating Disorders

The truth of the matter is that there are many categories (sickness) that falls within the eating disorder genre. Many people think that they're all the same and that an eating disorder is a single definition disorder. This is a common misconception and one that needs to be cleared up.

For instance, I struggled with anorexia, bingeing, compulsive eating, and bulimia but not all at the same time and not all the same durations. I know a good friend who is only anorexic while another stuggles with obesity.

Here is a rundown on the different types of eating disorders and their definitions.

-Anorexia Nervosa: an extremely dangerous, life-threatening eating disorder in which a person intentionally deprives themselves of food and can literally starve to death in an attempt to be what they consider "thin." The disorder involves extreme weight loss-at least 15 percent below the individual's "ideal" weight-and a refusal to maintain body weight that is even minimally normal for their age and height. Even if they become extremely emaciated, an anorexic person's distorted body image convinces them they are "fat." The self-esteem of individuals with this disorder is directly dependent on their body shape and weight. Weight loss for them is viewed as an impressive achievement and an indication of extraordinary self-discipline, whereas weight.

Binge Eating: The essential features of binge-eating disorder are recurrent, out-of-control episodes of consuming abnormally large amounts of food. People with this disorder eat whether they are hungry or not and continue eating well past being uncomfortably full. If left untreated, the consequences of binge-eating can be severe. The disorder often leads to obesity, which is responsible for as many as 300,000 deaths year, or other serious and often life-threatening eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. Those who suffer from binge-eating disorder are also at high risk of substance-related disorders and serious psychiatric conditions, including depression, panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

Compulsive Eating Disorders: Compulsive eaters feel incapable of controlling how much or how often they eat. They may feel unable to stop eating, eat very fast, eat when they're not hungry, eat when they're only alone, or eat nearly non-stop throughout the day. Compulsive eaters often over-indulge in sugary foods and use them in an attempt to elevate their mood. When they don't eat the foods they crave, they often experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Bulimia Nervosa: People who have bulimia nervosa routinely "binge," consuming large amounts of food in a very short period of time, and immediately "purge," ridding their bodies of the just-eaten food by self-inducing vomiting, taking enemas, or abusing laxatives or other medications. If left untreated, bulimia nervosa can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders, heart damage, kidney damage, injury to all parts of the digestive system, and severe dental damage. Those with bulimia nervosa are at risk for dangerous impulsive, self-destructive behaviors, such as sexual promiscuity, kleptomania, self-mutilation, and alcohol and/or drug abuse.

Orthorexia: The main difference between an orthorexic and an anorexic is the individual's motivation. Orthorexics don't operate from a desire to be thin; instead, they strive to eat pure and healthy foods. While this condition may sound innocuous at first, it can have serious consequences. These health food addicts may obsess about eating the right foods to the point of social isolation, pathological obsession, and even starvation.

Obesity: The consequences of obesity can be severe. If left untreated, an obese person is at pronounced risk of developing serious mental disorders, such as depression, personality disorders, or anxiety disorders as a direct consequence of their obesity. For many, obesity leads to chronic and often life-threatening eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa. People who are obese are also at much greater risk of developing a variety of serious medical conditions including high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, gallbladder disease, upper respiratory problems, arthritis, skin disorders, menstrual irregularities, ovarian abnormalities, and complications of pregnancy. Obesity is one of our nation's most critical health problems and is directly responsible for as many as 300,000 deaths each year.

(These definitions have been taken from the website: eating-disorder.com)

1. Sudden weight loss

2. Abnormally low in weight

3. Bodily changes (dry hair, thinning hair, increase
in body hair, brittle nails, dry lips)

4. Changes in Attitude (irritable, cranky, tense,
depressed, uninterested, apathetic, paranoid)

5. Fatigue, dizziness, fainting

6. Major changes in eating habits

7. Skipping 3 consecutive menstrual cycles

8. Making frequent and especially trips
to the restroom immediately after eating.

9. Extreme fear of weight gain and preoccupation
of weight, food, and exercise.

10. Very selective in eating food.

The perks of opting for an online treatment program are cost, time, and convenience. Here are some fantastic options:

-Step By Step Anorexia Bulimia Treatment is a successful treatment program that was created by a mom whose daughter had and overcame anorexia and bulimia.

-http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

And then of course, if you could afford the costs and find the time, here are some highly reputable treatment centers:

-http://www.RosewoodRanch.com

-http://www.avalon-eatingdisorders.com/