Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are psychological illnesses that are characterized by distorted body perceptions and concerns about body weight, and shape. The illnesses create irregular eating behaviors and habits. It means that the individual either will have inadequate food, or excess of it. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and Binge Eating, are the three most common types and affect both females and males. Eating disorders can occur at any age but often form during the teenage years.

 

Anorexia can lead to brain damage, organ failure, infertility, bone loss, and death. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by cycles of secret binge eating, and purging –and is equally centered on fears of gaining weight and poor self-image. Bulimia can cause serious health problems, like dehydration, and gastrointestinal problems. Binge Eating is characterized by eating behavior that is out of control and leads to obesity. Unlike Bulimia or Anorexia, the cycle of eating does not include any periods of starvation or exercise, and the cycle of shame, distress, and eating continue, leading to obesity and cardiovascular disease. Anorexia Nervosa is the most dangerous.