Eating Disorders

ating disorders include complusive overeating (eating excessively) or eating far too little (overly restrictive eating) or any other compulsion to eat in a manner that upsets or threatens physical health. Eating disorders that are continued over time may have severe consequences on a person's health, including death.

All About Anorexia

hen it comes to the culture that we are experiencing today, high standards of beauty are pressured upon everyone in order to make them feel important. This is done simply for the fact that sex sells, and advertisers know it. By projecting impossible images for one to model their body after, companies can more accurately market to individuals who feel that they have a problem with the way that their body is. To that end, many feel such pressure to maintain a perfect body form that eating disorders may arise. One of the most commonly occurring eating disorders is known as anorexia nervosa, and in this article, we'll discuss the disorder in-depth in order to help you to understand it and so that you'll be able to see when someone you know is exhibiting warning signs.

Anorexia is a disease in which people basically starve themselves in order to lose weight. It's a mental disorder that most often occurs in adolescents, who feel added social pressure to fit into the 'norms' of society, which are often unachievable. A common aspect of those who are anorexic includes a body weight that is less than eighty five percent of what it should be for a healthy individual. Sufferers may resort to many different methods in order to lose weight, including over-exercising, the use of laxatives to decrease the calories that their body intakes, and extreme dieting, sometimes coupled with the use of weight-loss supplements. Those that are afflicted with anorexia are often never satisfied with the state of their body, and even those who are stick-thin may still feel fat.

When you are looking for the warning signs that one may have anorexia, there are a few things to consider. For one, a drastic amount of weight loss will be present within the individual. They may decline eating when in a public circumstance as to lead friends and family to believe that they simply aren't hungry. Girls who suffer from anorexia will experience a loss of their menstrual period, and when it occurs for at least three months in a row, anorexia is probably evident. A sufferer may also exhibit signs of weakness such as anxiety, a weakness of the body, and a shortness of breath.

The health effects that anorexia can have on an individual are quite drastic. Those who are afflicted often experience an amount of bone loss and mineral loss. They exhibit a lowered body temperature, and an irregular heartbeat can develop from the body's lack of nutrition. Growth may permanently cease after a period of time, and osteoporosis may occur. It's a relatively common problem within society, with one out of a hundred teenage girls in America developing a case of anorexia. Ten percent of these girls will die due to the disease's effects on the body, clearly illustrating the damage that it can do. Those with anorexia require a high level of support, and you may want to suggest your friend or family member who may be afflicted with the problem to discuss it with an eating disorder therapist. Doctors and counselors can be of great assistance when it comes to conquering an eating disorder such as anorexia.

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This Website is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about eating disorders, who may be worried about the possible onset of eating disorders, or the friends, family, or relatives of those who might suffer from an eating disorder.

While the articles on this Website were written with great care, errors or omissions may occur. The information is provided "as-is", without any warranty whether expressed or implied. All readers agree to use the information provided on this site entirely at their own risk.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition whatsoever - including eating disorders.

If you suspect you or someone you know has an eating disorder, always seek the advice of a professional medical doctor.

Eating Disorder Symptoms in the News

07/30/2010
Flu Vaccines Are Approved and Urged for Most
The Food and Drug Administration approved vaccines for the next flu season, and health officials recommend vaccination for everyone 6 months old and older.

Flu Vaccines Are Approved and Urged for Most

07/31/2010
Swine Flu Pandemic Hit Children the Hardest
Title: Swine Flu Pandemic Hit Children the Hardest Category: Health News Created: 7/30/2010 10:51:00 AM Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 10:51:31 AM

Swine Flu Pandemic Hit Children the Hardest

07/31/2010
Flu jab linked to fits in under fives: officials
GPs have been told not to use a particular flu jab on 110,000 children under five after it was linked with a tenfold increase in fits, it can be revealed.

Flu jab linked to fits in under fives: officials

07/30/2010
Your New Flu Vaccine Is On The Way, A Little Early
Flu season is in full swing in the Southern Hemisphere, with H1N1 the predominant strain in Australia and New Zealand. No one's predicting what our season will look like just yet.

Your New Flu Vaccine Is On The Way, A Little Early

07/30/2010
Flu vaccine for under-5s given OK
THE suspension of flu vaccine for children under five has been lifted by the after a series of adverse reactions earlier in the year.

Flu vaccine for under-5s given OK