Eating disorders occur because of a skewed body image perception based on emotions, behaviors and attitudes toward food. Long-term eating disorders can become life-threatening without intervention and treatment. If you, or someone you know, suffers from an eating disorder, it is important to understand the effects it can have on your body so you can find the help you need to heal.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes extreme limitation of food in an effort to stay thin. Individuals with anorexia nervosa maintain a weight that is far below healthy levels. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include extreme weight loss, but can also impact appearance and health. Anorexia sufferers may experience hair loss, insomnia, dizziness, brittle nails, constipation, dry skin, absence of monthly period and low tolerance for cold. More seriously, anorexia can cause abnormal heart beat, low blood pressure and osteoporosis. Without treatment, anorexia nervosa can lead to kidney problems, anemia, heart problems, gastrointestinal problems and death.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by the eating of large amounts of foods and then throwing up to rid the body of the calories consumed. Individuals with bulimia nervosa experience body image problems that drive them to eat, and then to feel extreme guilt that leads to purging the body of the food. Symptoms of bulimia include eating until uncomfortable, chronic vomiting, excessive exercise and using the restroom often. Bulimia can lead to damaged teeth and gums from constant vomiting, as well as improperly functioning bowels, swollen cheek glands and mouth and throat sores. Long-term bulimia can cause dehydration, loss of monthly period, depression, irregular heart beat, heart failure and death.
Binge Eating Disorder
Chronic overeating is the definition of a binge eating disorder. MayoClinic.com notes that everyone overeats occasionally, but eating a large amount of food on a regular basis, often in secret, is considered an eating disorder. The symptoms of a binge eating disorder include eating too much food, eating when not hungry, eating between meals and eating very quickly. An untreated binge eating disorder can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, gallbladder damage, heart disease and pain in the joints and muscles.
Identifying and Preventing Eating Disorders
If you, or someone you know, has any of the symptoms of an eating disorder, it is crucial to get help immediately. Treatment will help improve body image, but it will also help prevent the physical complications eating disorders can have on the body. The National Eating Disorders Association reports that both primary and secondary prevention can help improve self-image and prevent and treat the behaviors, attitudes and emotions that can lead to a dangerous relationship with food.
References
- National Eating Disorders Association; What Is An Eating Disorder? Some Basic Facts
- MayoClinic.com; Anorexia Nervosa; December 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Bulimia Nervosa; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Binge-Eating Disorder; October 2010
- National Eating Disorders Association; Eating Disorders Can Be Prevented!; Michael Levine and Margo Maine
