Jane and Elizabeth are adhering to strict, low-calorie diets even though they're both dangerously underweight. Angela and Hank secretly eat huge amounts of food at one sitting and then make themselves vomit and spend hours exercising. Evelyn and Fred eat huge amounts of food and occasionally try dieting, but mostly just feel guilty and depressed. What do these six individuals have in common? They all have some type of eating disorder.
In an effort to stay healthy, many people try to control the amounts of food they eat as well as their body weight and shape. Some people experience short-term alterations in their eating patterns as a reaction to a stressful life situation or when dieting to improve their appearance and/or health. People with an eating disorder, however, think about food, weight, and body image constantly and usually have medical and psychological issues related to eating.
In case of serious medical complications like severe malnutrition, dehydration , or heart irregularities, a hospitalization may be needed.
There are three primary types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa , bulimia nervosa , and binge eating disorder . They can disrupt school, work, and relationships and cause serious health problems that may require ongoing medical care and even hospitalization. In severe cases, they can cause permanent disability and even death.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, about 8 million Americans have an eating disorder. Females ages 13-30 account for most cases. However, eating disorders can also occur in males and in people both younger and older. Most patients develop symptoms by age 20. Eating disorders can last from several months to many years.
Although eating disorders are most common among the white upper and middle classes, they occur in people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The rate of eating disorders is higher in certain occupations, such as dance, gymnastics, and modeling, where there is excessive pressure to maintain a specific weight and appearance.
Some people with anorexia nervosa also binge eat and then make themselves vomit (purge) to keep their weight low.
People with bulimia nervosa often maintain a fairly normal weight by purging and/or excessive dieting, exercising, or fasting.
Until several years ago, this disorder was called "compulsive overeating." Many people with binge eating disorder are overweight.
Combinations of certain factors make some people vulnerable to developing an eating disorder. These factors fall into these broad categories: sociocultural, biological, environmental, family-related, and psychological. The disorder often begins when vulnerable individuals are going through a difficult life change or event.
"Once an eating disorder develops, the behaviors and feelings keep reinforcing each other and may become ways of coping with other life problems. A self-perpetuating cycle is then created," according to Laura Weisberg, PhD, director of the eating disorders program at Westwood Lodge Hospital in Westwood, Massachusetts.
An individualized treatment plan is developed for people with eating disorders, based on a thorough medical exam and psychological evaluation. Several of the following approaches are usually combined.
Approximately 70%-80% of people with eating disorders have some success with treatment. However, the extent and speed of response vary with the individual, and relapses are common.
"Early detection and diagnosis are crucial to treat an eating disorder before it becomes a deeply ingrained cycle. This may prevent serious medical and psychological problems from developing," says Weisberg.
So, if you think you may have an eating disorder, make an appointment to talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. If you suspect someone you know may have an eating disorder, encourage her or him to seek professional help.
RESOURCES:
National Eating Disorders Organization
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Overeaters Anonymous
https://www.oa.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.cmha.ca/
National Eating Disorder Information Centre
http://www.nedic.ca/
References:
Anorexia Nervosa. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated July 2009. Accessed July 24, 2009.
Shapiro JR, Berkman ND, Brownley KA, Sedway JA, Lohr KN, Bulik CM. Bulimia nervosa treatment: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Eat Disord. 2007;40:321-36.
Last reviewed May 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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