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Eating Disorders
Magazines and the media can often portray images of incredibly thin
models and celebrities as the ideal weight. It is easy for someone
to see these models and assume that this is how they are supposed
to look. But, the truth is, every body is different. Some women
are incredibly thin, while others are more curvaceous.
Eating disorders
occur when a person with low self-esteem feels depression or guilt
for gaining a few extra pounds. Family members, or spouses may make
a comment on the person's body that they don't like. And from there,
they start to see themselves as fat, when actually they might not
be overweight at all.
Maybe you have
an eating disorder, or someone you know does. The following information
can provide some basic knowledge on how to stop this disorder before
it gets out of control.
ANOREXIA
NERVOSA
A person becomes anorexic when their body weight is so little that
they risk damaging their health. This is the point when the person
is 15% less than the average weight for their height and age. People
who suffer from anorexia harm themselves by forcing themselves not
to eat enough. They may also exercise compulsively, which wouldn't
be a big problem for a person of normal weight, but an anorexic
body cannot provide enough energy for such a strenuous workout.
It may seem
like a good weight loss method at first, but eventually they will
develop the symptoms of starvation. Menstrual periods stop, hair
and nails become thin and fragile, pulse and blood pressure rates
fall, skin becomes dry and yellow, and osteoporosis can occur. They
may also suffer from constipation and anemia.
BULIMIA
NERVOSA
People with Bulimia typically eat whatever they want, and then throw
it up afterwards so that it isn't digested. Like Anorexia, Bulimics
can also overly exercise. When they eat, they gulp the food down
so fast that sometimes they hardly chew. They don't stop until they
can't take anymore. At that point, they throw up or use a laxative.
People who have
Bulimia end up having inflamed and sore throats. Salivary glands
become swollen from the vomiting. The cheeks and face become puffy,
teeth enamel fades away, and teeth start to decay. If they use laxatives,
they develop serious intestinal problems. In some cases, Bulimia
causes dehydration of minerals that are essential to muscle and
nerve function. |
