by Jimmy Black

Created on: December 16, 2008

Get the Facts on Eating Disorders

Having the facts on eating disorders can help provide a full recovery. Eating disorders are usually categorized into 3 main types: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorders. The exact cause of these disorders is unknown but thought to be contributing factors are low self-esteem, social stresses, and a distorted view of one's self.

Anorexia is often the most severe and more life-threatening of the 3 types of disorders. The illness is marked with rapid and progressive weight loss. The weight loss is usually achieved by simply not eating. It is very difficult to eat anything at all wand if forced to eat patients with anorexia will often then resort to self-purging methods. Anorexia, if left untreated has been known to cause heart palpitations, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Those suffering from bulimia show the same rapid weight loss but achieve this result in a slightly different manner. Bulimia can also lead to more severe health problems. It may be easier to discover this disorder with the constant presence of self-purging methods. This can include the abuse of laxatives. It can be just as dangerous as anorexia because purging can become addicting behavior that is just as hard to treat as an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Binge eating is another example of an eating disorder. It is probably the most often seen disorder but often goes untreated as the side effects are not as fatal or sudden and extreme. Binge eating involves the act of constantly overeating without any intent to purge the food. This naturally causes an increase in weight and can easily turn into obesity without acknowledgement of the problem and the desire to get well again. The resulting effects of weight gain often include heart problems and diabetes which can make this disorder deadly too.

There are treatment options available and should be considered carefully on an individual basis. Social norms often make people want to be more perfect but that stress coupled with the intense need to be accepted can often develop into an eating disorder. Most people suffering with an eating disorder usually share the same goal and that goal is to lose weight. More often related to anorexia is the way one views their reflection in the mirror. Many patients report seeing an image in the mirror that is fat and overweight when it is, in fact, just the opposite situation. The person has actually become frail and skeletal like with the progress of the disease. This is why these and other eating disorders should always be diagnosed and treated by a group of professionals.

A person who is afflicted by an eating disorder usually suffers from high degrees of guilt and shame. A strong support group made of family and friends can be incredibly motivating throughout a devastating battle with an eating disorder. It is important that self-alienation does not begin to occur and treatment gets provided. If you suspect that you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance immediately.

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