Eating disorders are serious emotional
and physical problems that include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors
around weight and food issues. The three most common eating disorders are
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder, also known as
Compulsive Overeating.
In Anorexia Nervosa, a preoccupation with dieting and thinness leads to self
starvation and excessive weight loss. Symptoms include intense fear of weight
gain, feeling fat despite dramatic weight loss, extreme concern with body weight
and shape, and loss of menstrual periods. Untreated, anorexia can be fatal. Like
other eating disorders, Anorexia typically begins during adolescence, and
affects more girls than boys.
Bulimia is characterized by periods of binge eating followed by purging
(self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising), while a compulsive
overeater binges but does not purge.
Causes of eating disorders are complex and are not completely understood, and
may include
• psychological factors, such as low self-esteem
• interpersonal factors, such as troubled family relationships or history of
abuse
• social factors, such as cultural norms that glorify thinness
• biological or biochemical factors
All eating disorders require professional help. The most effective treatment is
therapy or psychological counseling coupled with careful attention to medical
and nutritional needs.