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There
are three major eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa,
and binge eating disorder. While the symptoms of each are different,
people experiencing these illnesses generally are also suffering
from stress, social pressure, and other mental health problems.
Each is treatable, but can cause serious physical and emotional
problems, if left untreated.
The Basics of Eating Disorders:
• Anorexia Nervosa – Anorexia’s core symptom
is an intense, unreasonable fear of becoming fat, which doesn’t
ease even with severe weight loss and extreme reduction of food
intake. Untreated anorexia has severe physical consequences – disrupted
menstrual periods, malnutrition, and even death.
• Bulimia Nervosa – The key characteristic
of bulimia is ongoing bingeing (eating large quantities of food)
and purging
(vomiting, excessive exercise or use of laxatives). Stress, intense
fear of gaining weight and depression are some triggers for bulimia.
People with the disorder eat to ease these stresses, and then seek
to relieve the guilt they feel for overeating by purging. All the
purging methods cause physical problems in time, including electrolyte
imbalances, which impair nerve function, dehydration, and stomach
and muscle cramps.
• Binge Eating Disorder – Binge eating is compulsive
overeating throughout the day. People with this disorder often
eat quickly, feel out of control while eating, hoard and hide food
from others. They are often depressed, with feelings of self-disgust,
guilt and isolation. Binge eating, like anorexia and bulimia, is
harmful to one’s health. Problems triggered by binge eating
can include high blood pressure, heart problems, joint pain and
fatigue.
Body image disturbance underlies the development of all eating
disorders. Women, in particular, are socialized to believe their
worth and power comes from rigid cultural definitions of beauty,
including thinness. The result of this may be the development of
depression, self-loathing and eating disorders.
Getting Help
To find help or get more information, start with your student
health center or counseling service on campus, or a local Mental
Health Association. In addition, here are other resources that
can provide information and support.
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