Anorexia Nervosa-is an eating disorder characterized by the relentless pursuit of thinness resulting in extreme thinness. Those suffering from anorexia nervosa lose between 15% to 60% of their usual body weight. About half of anorexic individuals achieve weight loss by restricting food intake, while the other half achieve weight loss through a combination of dieting and purging (anorexic bulimics). Affected individuals go to great lengths to achieve weight loss, often building strange rituals around food, eating, and exercise. They have an intense fear of gaining weight and see themselves as fat, even when they are dangerously thin. Anorexics generally categorize food into good/safe foods (very-low-fat, low-calorie foods) and bad/dangerous foods (high-fat or high-calories foods). Anorexic nervosa is most commonly seen in young female women.
Bulimia Nervosa-is an eating disorder in which recurrent cycles of binge eating are followed by purging in an effort to prevent weight gain. Binge eating involves the uncontrollable consumption of large amounts of food, often in secret. Purging is accomplished through self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, enema, diet pills, diuretics, or exercise. A diagnosis of bulimia is made when there are t least two bulimic episodes per week for three months. However, bulimics often average 14 binge-purge episodes a week, and the frequency of binge-purge episodes is often much higher. The primary distinguishing feature between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is body weight. Bulimics have normal to high-normal weights and thus do not suffer from the effects of starvation. Some individuals develop variations on what would be considered "classic" bulimia nervosa. One example is the male athlete ( wrestler, horse jockey) who becomes bulimic during the competitive season to meet weight requirements, but resumes normal eating patterns off-season.
Fast Facts (North Amercia)
Prevalence of Eating Disorders:
Prevalence of anorexia nervosa in young women: 1%
Prevalence of bulimia nervosa in young women: 2-3%
Anorexics or bulimics who are male: 5-15%
Prevalence of binge eating disorder in the general population: 3-4%
People with binge eating disorders that are male: 40%
Increase in anorexia nervosa between the mid-1950s and mid-1970s: 300%
Behaviors and Attitudes
Women who dislike their overall appearance: 56%
Men who dislike their overall appearance: 43%
Those with anorexia nervosa who develop bulimic patterns: 50%
Anorexics who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet; 50%
Mortality and Recovery Rates
People who die as a result of a serious eating disorder when no treatment is received : up to 20%
People who die as a result of a serious eating disorder when treatment is received: 2-3%
People who fully recover from an eating disorder; 60%
People with eating disorders who make only partial recoveries: 20%
People with eating disorders who do not recover: 20%
Young women who die of anorexia nervosa in the U.S. every year: 1,000
Eating disorders are complex and no single reason explain their presence in anyone. In most individuals, eating disorders are the product of an interplay of biological, psychological, family, and cultural factors and a manifestation of unresolved emotional struggles.
Certain biological factors appear to increase risk for eating disorders. if your mother had an eating disorder, your risk is increased up to eight times. Abnormal levels of certain brain chemicals can contribute to perfectionism and obsessive/compulsive behaviors, both increasing your risk for eating disorders.
Numerous psychological factors may also affect your risk. Among the most common are perfectionism and an obsessive/compulsive personality. Those at highest risk for eating disorders tend to be very concerned about how others perceive them. In spite of their intelligence, work ethic and notable achievements, they see themselves as inadequate, even worthless. They may lack a sense of personal identity and independence. Their eating disorder may provide a sense of being in control of their own lives.
Families can contribute to eating disorders by being overprotective, rigid, and enmeshed. This strongly reinforces the problems with self-esteem and personal identity. There are often difficulties resolving conflict, and family members fail to share doubts, anxieties, and fears. Parental expectations are generally very high and physical appearance is extremely important. In some cases, sexual or physical abuse is present.
Our culture contributes to eating disorders in major ways and many experts believe this is the most important factor of all. Television, movies,l magazines, books, and billboards all send a message to women that this is society's standard for beauty. In contrast, men are encouraged to be strong and athletic. Thinness is so highly valued in women that it profoundly affects success, employment, power, popularity, and romance. The pressure towards achieving and maintaining very low body fat is especially prevalent in athletes such as dancers, gymnasts, skaters, and distance runners. The term "female athlete triad" is commonly used to describe female athletes who exhibit eating disorders, amenorrhea, and eventual osteoporosis.
For those who are predisposed, a full-blown eating disorder can be initiated by a seemingly insignificant trigger, such as a thoughtless comment from a family member or friend about weight or shape. For some, the trigger is a major even, such as a relationship breakup, a death, a rape, or a change in one's life--new school, job or graduation. The disorder is usually precipitated by a period of increased challenges or responsibilities that the individual feels ill-equipped to handle.
staggering sad stats!
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