Eating Disorders - Serious Business


by Simon Volk - Date: 2006-12-04 - Word Count: 432 Share This!

There are four main eating disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and Compulsive Overeating. Anorexia and Bulimia are considered starvation eating disorders. Binge Eating Disorder and Compulsive Overeating are classified as excessive eating disorders. Studies have shown that approximately 5 percent of women suffer from one of these eating disorders. If you suffer from an eating disorder, you can be sure you are not alone. The number of people diagnosed with an eating disorder has been on the increase since the 1970's.

Anorexia means a person who has lost their appetite. The eating disorder is when some one voluntarily starves them self. It usually begins in younger people around the time of puberty. The main symptom is extreme weight loss. Extreme would be defined as anything below 85 percent of the person's normal body weight. Bulimia is different in that it is a cyclical type of eating disorder. It is better known as the binge and purge disorder. The person eats very little trying to loose weight and then feels so hungry that when they do finally eat, they overeat. Then the guilt sets in and they forcible vomit all the food out. Then they go back on the diet, determined to never do it again. People who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder will eat large quantities of food and feel a complete loss of control of their eating habits. Compulsive Overeating is the equivalent of an "addiction" to food. Those suffering from it use food and eating to hide from their emotions. Eating is a way to cope with daily stress and problems in life.

Thin is not always healthy, especially when unorthodox methods are used to become thin. Everyone should learn and know about eating disorders and their dangers for there own safety as well as their families and friends. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, then you should know that the first thing you need to worry about is getting help. Eating disorder treatment is crucial and is most effective when started as soon as possible. The earlier the treatment is started, the easier recovery. This means as soon as you suspect that you or someone you know might have an easting disorder, see a doctor or specialist if possible. Let them decide.

These eating disorders can be very harmful, even life threatening, when unchecked. Look for the warning signs and seek help as earlier as possible. This article barely scratches the surface on information related to eating disorders, make sure to get as much information as possible and talk to your physician. Good Luck and Good Health.


Related Tags: anorexia, bulimia, eating disorders, binge eating, compulsive overeating

Simon Volk has been a contributing author for websites and is an acknowledged expert in the field of health and fitness. He can be found on the internet at the website: Health Fitness Articles | Health Fitness Exercise or Mega Traffic Site | Blogs

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