|
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a serious disturbance in eating
patterns or eating-related behavior, characterized by a negative body image
and concerns about body weight or body fat.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa- An eating disorder characterized by
a refusal to maintain body weight at a minimally healthy level and an
intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
Who it effects?- Anorexia Nervosa affects 1-3 million
Americans. 95% of those affected are female. Anorexia Nervosa can occur at
any age but typically starts between the ages of 12 and 18.
Characteristics
-
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
-
Distorted body image
-
Use vigorous and prolonged physical activity to reduce
body weight
-
Express extreme interest in food
-
May hid or hoard food without eating it
-
Usually introverts or emotionally insecure people
Bulimia Nervosa- An eating disorder characterized by
recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging: overeating and then using
compensatory behaviors such as vomiting and excessive exercise to prevent
weight gain.
Who it effects?-Usually begins in adolescence or
young adulthood, but the disorder is recently emerging at older ages.
Characteristics
-
May consume 1,000 to 60,000 calories during a binge
-
Binge followed by an attempt to get rid of the food by
purging or using laxatives
-
May appear normal in public
-
Uncomfortable around food
-
Binges usually occur in secret
-
Binges may be caused by increased stress or a life
changing event
Binge Eating- An eating disorder characterized by
binge eating and a lack of control over eating behavior in general.
Characteristics
-
Uncontrollable eating
-
Eating is followed by feelings of guilt and weight gain
-
Eating more rapidly than normal
-
Eating until uncomfortably full
-
Eating when not hungry
-
Preferring to eat alone
Treatment of Eating Disorders
The treatment of eating disorders must address both problematic eating
behaviors and the misuse of food to manage stress and emotions.
If you think you may have an eating disorder please,
contact the Student Health Center,
Student
Counseling Center, or seek help from your family physician or local
clinic in the area.
For further information go to
www.indstate.edu/shp/resources.htm
|
