Eating Disorders / Question
Published: May 30, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What are eating disorders?
Signed: What Are Eating Disorders?
Dear What Are Eating Disorders?,
Eating disorders are a group of conditions that involve emotions and behaviors related to self-control and food. The most common types are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, but there are other kinds of disordered eating. Most cases are diagnosed in teenage girls and young women, but more and more boys and men are developing eating disorders. Eating disorders are not just about food and trying to be thin, they are about efforts that people make to try to feel better about themselves and more in control of their lives. Paradoxically, people with eating disorders end up losing control of, and often damaging, their lives. Many of the people who suffer from eating disorders are smart, do well in school, have lots of friends, and participate in a variety of activities like sports and clubs. They may seem like they have it all together, but inside they often feel insecure, and overwhelmed by all the pressures of being a teenager or young adult in today’s world. The following is a short introduction to Anorexia and Bulimia.
To be diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, a person does not maintain a weight that is “normal” for her height and body type. She/he will have an extreme fear of gaining weight or being “fat” and will restrict food intake until she/he is not eating enough to maintain her/his physical health. Most foods she/he will eat are “diet” and extremely low in calories or fat, and she/he will often feel proud that she can pass up tempting foods and desserts while others indulge. Females with Anorexia usually stop getting their periods and will have slow pulses and low blood pressure, sometimes so low that they get dizzy and seem weak. Despite being very, even very thin, she/he will think of themselves as being “fat” and “disgusting.” These thoughts, and an extreme fear of gaining weight, drive him/her to restrict food intake even more. Some of these patients also exercise for hours a day to the point of exhaustion. They usually deny that they have a problem and it takes a team of family, friends, and health professionals to help them recover.
The symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa are binge eating (consuming a large amount of calories at one time) followed by purging (attempting to lose the calories by vomiting, exercising, or abusing laxatives, diet pills, and diuretics). Sufferers don’t necessarily have to be underweight; in fact, some can be overweight or normal weight. Often people with Bulimia experience weight fluctuation. Bulimics feel completely out of control during a binge, and they eat “forbidden” foods such as desserts that are high in sugar and fat. They have a lot of stress and anxiety in their everyday life that centers on eating and body image. Bulimia causes some clear and obvious physical signs. The person’s teeth will often be dull and yellowish in color, as well as eroded, because of stomach acid that comes up with vomit. The person’s gums can be damaged as well. Glands may become swollen, resulting in the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks.” She/he will spend a lot of time in the bathroom and will often only eat in secret. Also, when doctors look at a patient’s blood work, there will be abnormal levels of salts because of vomiting and using laxatives. This can cause heart problems, which may be life threatening. People with Bulimia often feel a great deal of shame. They frequently deny there is a problem and will need a lot of support in order to recover.
Eating disorders are very serious, affecting every aspect of a person’s functioning. If left untreated, they can cause damage to a person’s life and can even cause death. It is important to get help for sufferers as soon as possible and to remember that it is not just about food and weight. Poor self-esteem, family problems, depression, anxiety, and feelings of stress and being overwhelmed and out-of-control are key problems associated with these disorders. Addressing the emotional issues helps patients and families begin the recovery process and may keep them from suffering in the future.
For more information on eating disorders, please check out
National Eating Disorder Information Center
Eating Disorder Organization
National Eating Disorders Association
And, if you live in northern New Jersey and are interested in seeking help for an eating disorder, you can also get help at the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health System at (908) 522.5757. If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local adolescent health center for a referral.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16-19 is more than one and half times that of their female counterparts.
