Based on the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 out of 5 females battle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. Although women are the likely ones who are affected, men also suffer equally from this illness. It usually happens in the teenage years, mainly in a pursuit of a body shape or weight.
What exactly is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a real and serious problem. It is characterized by severe changes in eating habits, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating. There are two main types of eating disorders, namely anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; other types are included in a category called “eating disorders not otherwise specified” (EDNOS). But let’s put our focus on the two main types.
Anorexia nervosa - such type of eating disorder is characterized by constant need for thinness and disinclination of gaining weight. Those who have this specific sickness look at themselves as “fat” although the truth is they are really skinny and malnourished.
Signs and symptoms:
-Fear of gaining weight
-Lack of menstruation
-Performance of weight loss by extreme dieting and over-exercising or self-induced vomiting, laxative, diuretic, and enema misuse
-Has distorted body image
-Physical symptoms include growth of fine hair all over the body, brittle hair and nails, yellowish and dry skin, muscle loss and weakness
Some famous celebrities who suffered from this illness are American socialite Nicole Richie, famous singer Karen Carpenter, and actress Mary-Kate Olsen.
Bulimia nervosa - this specific disordered eating is indicated by repeatedly consuming huge amounts of foods followed by purging or self-induced vomiting to compensate for the overindulging.
Signs and symptoms:
-Binge-eating (extreme consumption of huge amounts of food accompanied with a feeling lack of control over eating)
-Purging (extreme measures of weight loss such as exercise, fasting, or self-induced vomiting)
-Extreme fear of weight gain
-Feeling of discontentment towards body shape and weight
-Physical symptoms include chronic sore throat, dental problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and severe dehydration from loss of fluids.
Famous people who’ve suffered from this serious issue included Spice Girls’ “Ginger Spice” Geri Halliwell, American Idol judge Paula Abdul, and Katy Perry’s fianc, Russell Brand.
As of now, the most effective cure against these disorders is the combination of pharmacological and psychological approaches such as the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy. Though researches have been made to determine the exact causes and treatments that can be utilized to address this problem, it must be known that eating disorders are real, are treatable, and most of all, are highly preventable.
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