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Health 52
Info Tip:
Eating Disorders
They often develop during high school. Or college.
And are most commonly seen in teenagers and women under 30. But did you know
these illnesses are more about anxiety, stress and control than they are
about eating?
For example, Anorexia nervosa is best known as an obsession with body image,
weight and food. This disorder usually afflicts people who are extremely
self-critical with low self-esteem. Although normal weight, an anorexic
patient sees herself as fat, and engages in self-starvation. Sometimes,
obsessive exercise and laxatives are abused for maximum weight loss.
Malnutrition kicks-in while muscle, including heart muscle, wastes away.
Premature bone thinning and kidney failure can occur in later stages. Now
Bulimia, known for its eat-and-purge cycles, has similar emotional triggers
and can be equally damaging.
The American Psychiatric Association points out that treatment for eating
disorders is focused on psychotherapy to address family relationships,
social expectations and personal depression. Coupled with medical care to
treat the physical ailments caused by an eating disorder, therapy can help a
person learn to cope with the thoughts and emotions that trigger self
-destructive behavior so they can resume healthy eating habits.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
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