Eating Disorders

ating disorders include complusive overeating (eating excessively) or eating far too little (overly restrictive eating) or any other compulsion to eat in a manner that upsets or threatens physical health. Eating disorders that are continued over time may have severe consequences on a person's health, including death.

An Overview of Eating Disorders

n a society that is increasingly placing standards of beauty upon the youths of our population, people are at more of a risk than ever when it comes to developing an eating disorder. The celebrities in television and the media display stick-thin figures which can create a high standard of beauty that can lead to many problems with an individual's self esteem. When coupled with the fact that an obesity epidemic is overtaking much of the modern world, it's important to have a full understanding of the eating disorders which are prevalent in society today in order to be able to catch the warning signs when an individual you know is afflicted. Eating disorders are a mental condition, and while many discount the problem as situational and fixable if an individual desires to be fixed, they can be very difficult to overcome. In this article, we'll be giving a basic overview of some of the more common eating disorders that our culture faces today.

One of the most commonly occurring eating disorders within our society today is anorexia nervosa. Many are familiar with the affliction, in which one suffers from such an intense occupation with their self image that they literally starve their bodies in hopes of attaining a slimmer figure. While dieting and exercise are efficient ways of losing weight, those with anorexia resort to drastic methods for trying to attain a body figure that they will never be satisfied with. It is marked by a preoccupation with weight loss and a poor self image. In advanced cases of anorexia, women may lose the ability to have a period.

Bulimia is another eating disorder that permeates our culture today. As opposed to anorexics, which use dieting techniques and weight-loss pills to a high degree, bulimics find solace in 'purging'. Bulimic individuals usually eat a large amount of food, then retreat to a bathroom in order to regurgitate, or 'purge' the food from their system, causing them to lose the nutritional value and calories that the food they consume offers. The use of laxatives may also be employed by bulimics, causing a case of diarrhea and eliminating the nutritional value that they receive. You may be able to see warning signs for bulimia if an individual binges upon foods that are high in fat and sweets, engorging as much food as possible, then retiring to the bathroom in order to purge the foods. Poor self image is also a leading reason why people may become bulimic, and it's an important thing to note when considering the health of a friend or family member.

These are just a few of the eating disorders that can cause excessive trauma to the body and mind of an individual. If you know someone who you suspect has an eating disorder, you may want to discuss the problem with them with love and compassion, being sure to let them know that you are there for them. In severe cases, you should speak with a doctor in order to determine the best course of action for helping an individual.

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This Website is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about eating disorders, who may be worried about the possible onset of eating disorders, or the friends, family, or relatives of those who might suffer from an eating disorder.

While the articles on this Website were written with great care, errors or omissions may occur. The information is provided "as-is", without any warranty whether expressed or implied. All readers agree to use the information provided on this site entirely at their own risk.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition whatsoever - including eating disorders.

If you suspect you or someone you know has an eating disorder, always seek the advice of a professional medical doctor.

Eating Disorder Symptoms in the News

01/06/2009
Woman dies of bird flu in China (CNN)
A 19-year-old woman who handled ducks in northern China has died in Beijing from bird flu, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.

Woman dies of bird flu in China (CNN)

01/06/2009
Bird flu infects poultry in 2nd province in Vietnam (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Vietnam's agriculture ministry has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu among poultry in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, where a girl was hospitalized with the deadly disease last week.

Bird flu infects poultry in 2nd province in Vietnam (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

01/06/2009
China disinfects after first bird flu death in a year (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Chinese health authorities closed poultry markets for disinfecting in a province surrounding Beijing on Wednesday after a woman died of bird flu, the first such death in the country in almost a year.

China disinfects after first bird flu death in a year (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

01/06/2009
Tamiflu Is Unlikely to Thwart Flu Strain in Europe, Report Says (Bloomberg)
Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Tamiflu is unlikely to stop one of the three most-common seasonal flu strains circulating in North America and Europe this winter, with studies showing more than 90 percent resistance to Roche Holding AG 's drug.

Tamiflu Is Unlikely to Thwart Flu Strain in Europe, Report Says (Bloomberg)

01/06/2009
Bird flu re-emerges in China and Vietnam, one dead (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Bird flu re-emerged as a threat in Asia on Tuesday when China reported the disease killed a woman in Beijing and neighbouring Vietnam said a girl had contracted the virus.

Bird flu re-emerges in China and Vietnam, one dead (AFP via Yahoo! News)