Eating disorders.

Anorexia and Bulimia

~~Aneroxia~~

Anorexia, also called Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where people starve themselves. Anorexia usually begins in young people around the onset of puberty. Individuals suffering from anorexia have extreme weight loss. Weight loss is usually 15% below the person's normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight. Weight loss is obtained by many ways. Some of the common techniques used are excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating.

Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls.

People with anorexia continue to think they are overweight even after they become extremely thin, are very ill or near death. Often they will develop strange eating habits such as refusing to eat in front of other people. Sometimes the individuals will prepare big meals for others while refusing to eat any of it.

Symptoms of an aneroxic

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        Body weight that is inconsistence with age, build and height. (usually 15% below normal weight)
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        Loss of at least 3 consecutive menstrual periods (in women).
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        Not wanting or refusing to eat in public.
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        Weakness
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        Brittle skin
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        Shortness of breath
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        Obsessive about calorie intake
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        Anxiety

What causes aneroxia?

It is clear that there is no single cause for anorexia and that it stems from a mixture of biological, social, and psychological factors. Current research is commonly focused on explaining existing factors and uncovering new causes. However, there is considerable debate over how much each of the known causes contributes to the development of anorexia. In particular, the contribution of perceived media pressure on women to be thin has been especially contentious.

Some of the factors of anorexia are genetic factors, neurological factors, nutritional factors, psychological factors, and social and environment factors.

Anorexia stands from perfectionism feelings, envies and jealousy feeling. Their model is based on the idea that all major eating disorders (with the exception of obesity) share some core types of habit which help maintain the eating disorder behavior. This includes clinical perfectionism, chronic low self esteem, mood intolerance (inability to cope appropriately with certain emotional states) and interpersonal difficulties.

~~Bulimia~~

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). Inappropriate methods of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising. Excessive shape and weight concerns are also characteristics of bulimia.

A binge is an episode where an individual eats a much larger amount of food than most people would in a similar situation. Binge eating is not a response to intense hunger. It is usually a response to depression stress or self esteem issues. During the binge episode, the individual experiences a loss of control. However, the sense of a loss of control is also followed by a short-lived calmness. The calmness is often followed by self-loathing. The cycle of overeating and purging usually becomes an obsession and is repeated often.

People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high achievers.

It is often difficult to determine whether a person is suffering from Bulimia. This occurs because bingeing and purging is often done in secret. Also, individuals suffering from Bulimia often deny their condition.

What causes Bulimia?

There is currently no definite known cause of bulimia. Researchers believe it begins with dissatisfaction of the person's body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat.

Symptoms of Bulimia;

 Eating uncontrollably	 Weakness	 Sore throat
 Vigorous exercise	 Exhaustion	 Dental problems
 Strict dieting	 Swollen glands in neck and face	 Using bathroom frequently after meals
 Irregular periods	 Indigestion	 Vomiting blood
 Bloodshot eyes	 Constipation	 Purging

Risk factors of Bulimia;

There are certain professions where eating orders are more prevalent. Thinness is usually emphasized in these professions. The professions are: modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running. 

Harmful effects of Bulimia;

Some of the most common complications of bulimia are:

      Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.

      Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.

      Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).

      Stomach ulcers.

      Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus.

      Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines.

      Disruption in the normal bowel release function.

      Electrolyte imbalance.

      Dehydration

      Irregular heartbeat and in severe cases heart attack

      A greater risk for suicidal behavior