Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are affecting more people in society today than ever before.

Since the 1950s there has been a dramatically sharp rise in the number of cases and it is on the increase. Affecting primarily adolescents and young women, it is estimated that around 1 in 2000 adolescents are currently suffering from Anorexia Nervosa with up to 2 percent of young woman and adolescents suffering with Bulimia Nervosa. Parents need to be particularly watchful for early signs, such as a great fear of becoming overweight and over emphasis on wanting to be thin.

There are varied types of eating disorder but the two main and most important ones are.

Anorexia Nervosa

Marked by a refusal to maintain body weight at a minimal normal level for age and height.
Intense fear of getting fat even though underweight.
Great over emphasis on body shape with refusal to accept one is underweight.
Disturbance in periods.

Bulimia Nervosa

Marked by recurring episodes of binge eating normally in a 2 hour period with a feeling of no control.
Recurrent use of adverse measures to avoid gaining weight such as self induced vomiting and laxatives.
Normally two binge/purge episodes a week.
Great fear of being overweight even though underweight.
Over emphasis on body shape and weight.
Some Bulimia Nervosa sufferers do not purge after binge-eating.

If you suffer with eating disorders such as the above you need to know that you are not alone and there is a way out. Coming to recognise that you have a problem is the first very big step.

In the meantime, stay healthy.