Eating Disorders

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Eating Disorders: Bulimia and Anorexia

Bulimia is recurrent binge-eating (the rapid, uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of food) and purging (getting rid of the food eaten). Purging may occur with self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, severe diets, or vigorous exercise. People with bulimia maintain near normal weight and appear to be healthy, yet they often realize something is wrong.

Bulimic behavior usually begins in adolescence or early adult life and strikes women in greater numbers than men.

Signs of Bulimia:

Overconcern with body shape and weight
Secrecy
Abuse of Purgatives
Depression
Weight changes
Abnormal interest in food
Severe dieting and exercise
Substance Abuse
Changes in appearance

Anorexia is a self imposed starvation resulting from a fear of fatness. People with anorexia are preoccupied and dissatisfied with their body size and some specific feature of their physical appearance. They constantly believe they (or parts of their body) are fat even though they are obviously underweight.Anorexic behavior uaually begins during adolescence. This disorder strikes women in greater numbers than men.

Signs of Anorexia:

Distorted body image
Reduction in eating
Extensive exercising
Social shyness and/or isolation
Poor self esteem
Excessive weight loss
Overuse of laxitives/diuretics
Absence of menstration
Cavities and gum disease
Extreme sensitivity to cold
Growth of body hair
Denial of problem
Hair, nail and skin problems

Bulimia and Anorexia, if left untreated, can lead to many other physical problems and illnesses, even death.

If you or someone you know seems to suffer from Bulimia or Anorexia, call for help.

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eating disorders