Do You Have an Eating Disorder?

It is estimated that eight million Americans have an eating disorder. There are three basic types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. These types of eating disorders can be very serious; untreated, they can be life-threatening.

Anorexia

Anorexia is an eating disorder in which one does not eat enough food. This is one of the more common types of eating disorders. In addition to not eating enough food, anorexics may exercise too much. They burn far more calories than they take in. A normal person requires about 1200 calories a day just for their body to perform basic functions, for the kidneys and heart and lungs to work, and so on. People with anorexia don’t take in enough calories to support normal body functioning. About ten percent of the people diagnosed with anorexia actually die from the condition.

People with anorexia tend to have a distorted body image. They view themselves as fat even though they are truly very much underweight. That is not always the case, however. There are other reasons people may become anorexic. Studies suggest many people with an eating disorder have a history of child abuse and that this is a contributing factor to their illness. They may have a history of other self-destructive behaviors as well, such as self-mutilation or suicide attempts.

Anorexia damages the bones and causes osteoporosis. It causes damage to the heart, muscles, and kidneys. It weakens the immune system. There are changes in brain function and even in brain structure. They may suffer dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in their blood. They lose the ability to recognize when they are hungry. People with anorexia often withdraw from social situations due to weakness, fatigue, and self-consciousness about their appearance and eating habits.

Bulimia

Bulimia is another of the common types of eating disorders. It is an eating disorder in which one eats but then purges by vomiting up the food. People with bulimia may also abuse laxatives so that food moves through their digestive systems faster, therefore not being absorbed fully by their system. They may or may not binge by eating an excessive amount of food before purging.

Bulimics may maintain normal weight by vomiting only after binging, or they may restrict food intake at times or vomit more frequently, and therefore be underweight. Sometimes instead of vomiting, they may exercise excessively or fast for a period of time to counteract the amount of food they eat.

Bulimics suffer many of the same health risks of anorexics. They also suffer damage to their teeth and their esophagus due to the acidic content of vomit, and may also develop ulcers. They may have constipation or diarrhea. Like people with other eating disorders, they may withdraw from social situations and isolate themselves from others.

Compulsive overeating

Compulsive overeating is an eating disorder at the other end of the spectrum. It is one the lesser understood types of eating disorders. Compulsive overeaters have an overwhelming compulsion to eat, even when they are not hungry or after they are full. They often overeat for emotional reasons. They may eat when they are sad, anxious, lonely, or experiencing other uncomfortable emotions.

Compulsive overeating is a serious eating disorder. The risks of obesity are well known. Compulsive overeaters may suffer from heart problems, breathing problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes. They also experience feelings of embarrassment and shame in social situations.

All eating disorders carry serious health risks and require medical treatment. Psychological treatment is usually required as well. If you think you or someone you know has an eating disorder, you should see a doctor for an assessment and treatment as soon as possible. Eating disorders can be fatal if not treated.