Eating Disorders
Anorexia exists when a person severely cuts down the amount of food they eat. They might experience dramatic weight loss which can be life threatening, while still believing they need to lose more. They may also vomit (but not binge). Anorexia is an eating disorder most commonly found in teenage girls.
Bulimia exists when a person eats large amounts of food in a way that feels out of control then compensates by vomiting, starving, exercising or using laxatives. The person may not change in size or shape. Bulimia is characterised by: Binge Eating – eating a large amount of food in a short period of time
What is an eating disorder? The simple answer: An eating disorder is present when a person: is constantly thinking about eating or not eating feels out of control around food uses food to meet needs other than hunger becomes obsessed about food, weight and body shape A person can be any size and have an
Anorexia Average age of onset 17 years. The age of people with anorexia nervosa appears to be getting younger with cases being diagnosed in girls as young as 11 years of age Prevalence In developed societies, anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness for young females. (obesity & asthma are 1 & 2)
Binge eating disorder is a severe, life-threatening disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of compulsive overeating or binge eating. In binge eating disorder, the purging to prevent weight gain that is characteristic of bulimia nervosa is absent. Behavioral Characteristics Recurrent episodes of binge eating Eating much more rapidly than normal A sense of lack of control
The DSMIV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, volume 4) provides guidelines and criteria for mental disorders. In terms of eating disorders the DSM IV provides diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders NOS (not otherwise specified). It is important to remember that someone can still have an eating disorder or body image issues and not
It certainly wasn’t about weight. It was about restriction, guilt, and fear. And not having the support I needed to find my way back to my dreams.” There is no simple explanation. Some of the influencing factors may be social pressure to be thin, dieting, family patterns, personal stresses and difficulties, unmet emotional needs, values
Anybody can develop an eating disorder, although there are some groups of people who have a higher risk. Females Over 90% of people who are identified as having an eating disorder are female, however they are becoming increasingly more common in the male population. Teenagers Anorexia and Bulimia commonly begin in the teens, although cases have
An eating disorder is more than just losing or gaining weight; it’s about the thoughts and feelings that are going on inside the person’s head. Below are some lists of the different signs that may indicate a person has an eating disorder. Please note that not everyone will display all the signs. No one is
I think a member of my family has an eating disorder, what should I do? Be direct – tell the person why you are worried and be specific Don’t make promises you cant keep Seek professional help for the person Learn as much as you can about eating disorders Ask them what it is like