A Fear Of Food: A History Of Eating Disorders
Kailey Somers
Final Paper
April 28, 2014
Eating Disorders An eating disorder is any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Eating disorders are a huge problem throughout the world, especially in the United States. “In the United States 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life” (“Get The Facts On Eating Disorders”). There are numerous eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders are a huge concern throughout …show more content…
the world and it is important that we know about them so they can be prevented. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, “Eating disorders include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues” (“General Information”). Eating disorders can have life-threatening consequences. There are numerous eating disorders in the world. The three main eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and the binge eating disorder. There are other disorders called other specified feeding or eating disorders which include atypical anorexia nervosa, purging disorder, night eating syndrome, and less extreme disorders of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Additional eating disorders include avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, pica, rumination disorder, and other unspecified feeding or eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa was among the first to be classified as a psychological eating disorder. According to the article “A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”, anorexia nervosa deals with the inability or refusal to maintain a normal body weight and the fear of gaining weight while hating one’s own body image. (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”).In the article “Eating Disorders: Progress and Problems,” Walsh states that “Anorexia nervosa is among the most disabling and lethal of psychiatric disorders” (Walsh 1387). This disorder has occurred throughout history in many different time periods and cultures. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries anorexia was considered a holy act. According to the article “A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders,”
“Women who starved themselves were highly esteemed, and the origins of their ‘holy anorexia’ were thought to be supernatural. One well known example of a fasting woman was Catherine of Siena who was regarded as a saint. For Catherine, complete control over her body was a sign of devotion. In her eyes, to yield to food was to yield to sin and, ultimately, to deceive God” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”).
Ultimately, being anorexic was considered a good thing because you were doing it for God. However, holy anorexia did not last long and was eventually looked down upon by the Catholic Church as being a witch. Anorexia nervosa eventually turned into a psychological eating disorder. It was often known as “the rich white girl disorder” because people only thought that rich white women had it. Moreover the article also states that
“As the Seventies continued and cases of anorexia nervosa increased, the social distribution became less skewed. It was no longer just a “rich white girl’s” disorder.Anorexia nervosa continued to rapidly increase into the next decade and became known as the ‘disorder of the 80s,’ suggesting that diseases, particularly psychiatric disorders, are often directly linked to cultural contexts” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”).
Anorexia was no longer recognized as a disorder of rich white girls it was recognized within different races and males as well. Bulimia is another common disorder.
According to the article “A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”, “It is a disorder characterized by the rapid consumption of food followed by attempts to purge the body of the food via vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). Symptoms of bulimia were seen many centuries ago. The article adds that “While gluttony was one of the medieval seven deadly sins reviled by the Catholic Church, food insecurity often led to uncontrolled consumption during times of plenty. Furthermore, wealthy families in the Middle Ages would vomit during meals because consuming large amounts of food was seen as a sign of wealth (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). Wealthy families in the Middle Ages were expected to eat a lot so people would see how wealthy they were, however, they did not want to overeat so much that they would gain weight so they vomited it all up. However, bulimia nervosa was not considered a disorder until the 1970s when it emerged in full force (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating …show more content…
Disorders”).
Another common disorder is the binge eating disorder. The article states that “While bulimia nervosa appears to be of relatively recent origin, binge eating has been known for centuries. Binge eating disorder is characterized as binge eating without vomiting and is found commonly among obese patients” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). In other words, binge eating disorder is relatively similar to bulimia nervosa but it is not the same thing. Binge eating disorder is often correlated with obese people because they overeat so much. Moreover the article compares that “While people with BED are preoccupied with their weight, they do not appear to overvalue thinness in the ways characteristic of bulimia nervosa patients. Yet, like bulimic and anorexia patients, BED patients similarly hold distorted attitudes about eating food and body image, and also often suffer from depression” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). Those with binge eating disorder are not preoccupied with the idea of thinness but they do care about their body image. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are very common and they each have their own causes. There are a wide number of factors that can cause a person to have an eating disorder. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, “Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors” (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). Psychological factors that can contribute to eating disorders include having a low self-esteem, the feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and loneliness (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). Factors such as these can lead a person to hate their personal image and lead them to an eating disorder. The National Eating Disorder Association says that the interpersonal factors that can contribute to eating disorders include having a troubled personal relationship, difficulty expressing emotions and feelings, a history of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight, and a history of physical or sexual abuse (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). Being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight is a major cause of eating disorders. It makes people feel very insecure about their bodies and that they need to change them in extreme ways. Also, having a history of physical or sexual abuse can cause one to get an eating disorder especially in childhood. In the article “Childhood Abuse and the Risk of Eating Disorders in Women, Harlow writes
“Abuse during childhood has long been hypothesized to be a risk factor for the development of eating disorders. Abuse can cause intolerable emotions and undermine identity. Eating disorders can serve as an attempt to regulate negative affects” (271).
Abuse can make people feel very insecure about themselves almost as if they have no control over their lives so much that they result in an eating disorder. Moreover, there are social factors that can contribute to eating disorders such as cultural pressures that glorify thinness or muscularity and place value on obtaining the perfect body, and narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). The media and others often portrays being beautiful as an image of thinness and muscularity and that if you are not you are not beautiful. People with eating disorders often strive to be that perfect image of beauty you see in beauty magazines and in advertisements. There are many factors that can lead a person to an eating disorder that result in life-threating conditions. Eating disorders have many consequences and they can be very life-threatening. According to the National Eating Disorder Association,
“They are not a “fad” or a “phase.” People do not just “catch” and eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships” (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”).
Eating disorders are a real health problem that can ruin a person’s life and they should be taken very seriously. Anorexia has many major life-threatening consequences. Anorexia denies your body of what it needs to survive. A person with anorexia is not getting any of the food it needs to survive. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, anorexia results in a slow heart rate and low blood pressure which can lead to a higher risk in heart failure as the levels sink lower and lower (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). Moreover, this association states that anorexia also results in dry, brittle bones, muscle loss, fatigue, dry hair and skin, and severe dehydration which can result in kidney failure (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). Bulimia nervosa has many life-threatening conditions as well. The National Eating Disorder Association states that “bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions” (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). The binging and purging can affect a person’s organs and even teeth. Moreover, the Binge Eating Disorder has similar health conditions to those of obesity because binge eating often results in a person being overweight or obese. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, binge eating disorder can result in high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, heart disease, Type II diabetes, and gallbladder disease (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). Those with eating disorders have many life-threatening conditions that can change their entire lives. Those who struggle with an eating disorder need to seek immediate professional help to get better or their life could possibly end. Although eating disorders have many life-threatening conditions, they can be treated. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, “the most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs” (“Treatment Basics”). During psychological treatment they address what exactly led to this person’s eating disorder and their symptoms so that they can help them get better. The person needs help in getting back to a normal, healthy lifestyle. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, many people with eating disorders respond to different forms of therapy and counseling under careful medical supervision (“Treatment Basics”). Other than therapy there are other treatments that include medications that pertain to each individual’s disorder. There are antidepressants to make a person feel better and even medication for binge eaters to make them feel full faster so they don’t eat as much. Moreover, hospitalization may be required to take care of those with more severe disorders. Each individual has certain needs and their individual treatment may vary. Many individuals do recover from eating disorders but the long term outcome is not very good. According Timothy B. Walsh in his article “Eating Disorders: Progress and Problems,” “The frequency of depression is high and social and occupational functioning is often impaired. Many individuals remain irrationally concerned about weight gain and never achieve a normal body weight” (Walsh 1388). Ultimately, recovery is possible but it can still leave a deep wound in your life. It is up to the individual to have a huge positive outlook on their recovery. There are many ways that an eating disorder can be treated but it would be even better if we could help prevent others from even getting one in the first place. “Prevention is any systematic attempt to change the circumstances that promote, initiate, sustain, or intensify problems like eating disorders” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). There are numerous ways that eating disorders can be prevented. Often, eating disorders are caused by self-esteem issues either because people are bullying them or they just do not hear how wonderful they are enough. One way you can boost a person’s self-esteem is to compliment them and reassure them that they are perfect the way they are. There are many different groups that can help prevent eating disorders. Two types of prevention include universal prevention and targeted prevention. Universal prevention “aims to promote healthy development, understanding of the many complex issues that cause eating disorders and to stop eating disorders before they begin” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). Universal prevention involves the general public to help those that may show signs of an eating disorder. “Targeted prevention targets people who are beginning to show indications of eating disorders” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). These people do not necessarily have and eating disorder yet but they have some body image dissatisfaction and the goal is to prevent it. “Prevention programs can alter knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with eating disorders and disordered eating” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). If society works together we can help prevent eating disorders and help those who have them. An eating disorder is any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Eating disorders are a huge problem throughout the world, especially in the United States. There are numerous eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. Eating disorders can be caused by a low self-esteem, being bullied about weight, media’s ideal image, or even abuse. Treatments include psychotherapy, counseling, and medicine can help a person with an eating disorder to get better. If we work together to create a better society and help those in need and be nicer in general we can prevent some people from eating disorders. Eating disorders are a very serious issue that everyone should be aware of.
Bibliography
"A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders." Random History. 13 Dec. 2008. Web. 24 Apr.
2014. Found at: <http://www.randomhistory.com/2008/08/08_eating.html>.
“Eating Disorder Prevention” National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 30 Apr. 2014. Found at: <http://nationaleatingdisorders.org>
“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorder Association.
Web. 27 Apr. 2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
"General Information" National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Found at:
<http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>.
“Get The Facts On Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorder Association. Web. 2 May. 2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 28 Apr.
2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
Harlow, Bernard L., Rayworth, Beth B., and Wise, Lauren A. "Childhood Abuse And Risk Of
Eating Disorders In Women." Epidemiology (): 271-278. Print.
This article discussed how childhood abuse could potentially increase the risk of eating disorders in women. They performed a case study to see if childhood abuse was a factor in those who had eating disorders. This source was credible because it was a scholarly article. The authors all have a degree in epidemiology. I used this information to describe one cause of eating disorders and how abuse can lead to eating disorders.
“Treatment Basics” National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 28 Apr. 2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
Walsh, Timothy B., and Devlin, Michael. "Eating Disorders: Progress and Problems." Science ():
1387 1390. Print.
This article by Timothy B.
Walsh and Michael Devlin talks about research on anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It discusses abnormalities that go along with these eating disorders and the impacts culture and family has on the individual. The article discusses possible treatments for the eating disorders as well. This article is credible because the article is a scholarly source. The author Timothy is reliable because he is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Medical School and was on the Staff of Columbia University Medical Center where he established the Eating Disorders research unit. I used the information in this article because it contained very credible info about my
topic.
Final Paper
April 28, 2014
Eating Disorders An eating disorder is any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Eating disorders are a huge problem throughout the world, especially in the United States. “In the United States 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life” (“Get The Facts On Eating Disorders”). There are numerous eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders are a huge concern throughout …show more content…
the world and it is important that we know about them so they can be prevented. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, “Eating disorders include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues” (“General Information”). Eating disorders can have life-threatening consequences. There are numerous eating disorders in the world. The three main eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and the binge eating disorder. There are other disorders called other specified feeding or eating disorders which include atypical anorexia nervosa, purging disorder, night eating syndrome, and less extreme disorders of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Additional eating disorders include avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, pica, rumination disorder, and other unspecified feeding or eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa was among the first to be classified as a psychological eating disorder. According to the article “A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”, anorexia nervosa deals with the inability or refusal to maintain a normal body weight and the fear of gaining weight while hating one’s own body image. (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”).In the article “Eating Disorders: Progress and Problems,” Walsh states that “Anorexia nervosa is among the most disabling and lethal of psychiatric disorders” (Walsh 1387). This disorder has occurred throughout history in many different time periods and cultures. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries anorexia was considered a holy act. According to the article “A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders,”
“Women who starved themselves were highly esteemed, and the origins of their ‘holy anorexia’ were thought to be supernatural. One well known example of a fasting woman was Catherine of Siena who was regarded as a saint. For Catherine, complete control over her body was a sign of devotion. In her eyes, to yield to food was to yield to sin and, ultimately, to deceive God” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”).
Ultimately, being anorexic was considered a good thing because you were doing it for God. However, holy anorexia did not last long and was eventually looked down upon by the Catholic Church as being a witch. Anorexia nervosa eventually turned into a psychological eating disorder. It was often known as “the rich white girl disorder” because people only thought that rich white women had it. Moreover the article also states that
“As the Seventies continued and cases of anorexia nervosa increased, the social distribution became less skewed. It was no longer just a “rich white girl’s” disorder.Anorexia nervosa continued to rapidly increase into the next decade and became known as the ‘disorder of the 80s,’ suggesting that diseases, particularly psychiatric disorders, are often directly linked to cultural contexts” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”).
Anorexia was no longer recognized as a disorder of rich white girls it was recognized within different races and males as well. Bulimia is another common disorder.
According to the article “A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”, “It is a disorder characterized by the rapid consumption of food followed by attempts to purge the body of the food via vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). Symptoms of bulimia were seen many centuries ago. The article adds that “While gluttony was one of the medieval seven deadly sins reviled by the Catholic Church, food insecurity often led to uncontrolled consumption during times of plenty. Furthermore, wealthy families in the Middle Ages would vomit during meals because consuming large amounts of food was seen as a sign of wealth (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). Wealthy families in the Middle Ages were expected to eat a lot so people would see how wealthy they were, however, they did not want to overeat so much that they would gain weight so they vomited it all up. However, bulimia nervosa was not considered a disorder until the 1970s when it emerged in full force (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating …show more content…
Disorders”).
Another common disorder is the binge eating disorder. The article states that “While bulimia nervosa appears to be of relatively recent origin, binge eating has been known for centuries. Binge eating disorder is characterized as binge eating without vomiting and is found commonly among obese patients” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). In other words, binge eating disorder is relatively similar to bulimia nervosa but it is not the same thing. Binge eating disorder is often correlated with obese people because they overeat so much. Moreover the article compares that “While people with BED are preoccupied with their weight, they do not appear to overvalue thinness in the ways characteristic of bulimia nervosa patients. Yet, like bulimic and anorexia patients, BED patients similarly hold distorted attitudes about eating food and body image, and also often suffer from depression” (“A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders”). Those with binge eating disorder are not preoccupied with the idea of thinness but they do care about their body image. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are very common and they each have their own causes. There are a wide number of factors that can cause a person to have an eating disorder. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, “Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors” (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). Psychological factors that can contribute to eating disorders include having a low self-esteem, the feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and loneliness (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). Factors such as these can lead a person to hate their personal image and lead them to an eating disorder. The National Eating Disorder Association says that the interpersonal factors that can contribute to eating disorders include having a troubled personal relationship, difficulty expressing emotions and feelings, a history of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight, and a history of physical or sexual abuse (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). Being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight is a major cause of eating disorders. It makes people feel very insecure about their bodies and that they need to change them in extreme ways. Also, having a history of physical or sexual abuse can cause one to get an eating disorder especially in childhood. In the article “Childhood Abuse and the Risk of Eating Disorders in Women, Harlow writes
“Abuse during childhood has long been hypothesized to be a risk factor for the development of eating disorders. Abuse can cause intolerable emotions and undermine identity. Eating disorders can serve as an attempt to regulate negative affects” (271).
Abuse can make people feel very insecure about themselves almost as if they have no control over their lives so much that they result in an eating disorder. Moreover, there are social factors that can contribute to eating disorders such as cultural pressures that glorify thinness or muscularity and place value on obtaining the perfect body, and narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes (“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders”). The media and others often portrays being beautiful as an image of thinness and muscularity and that if you are not you are not beautiful. People with eating disorders often strive to be that perfect image of beauty you see in beauty magazines and in advertisements. There are many factors that can lead a person to an eating disorder that result in life-threating conditions. Eating disorders have many consequences and they can be very life-threatening. According to the National Eating Disorder Association,
“They are not a “fad” or a “phase.” People do not just “catch” and eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships” (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”).
Eating disorders are a real health problem that can ruin a person’s life and they should be taken very seriously. Anorexia has many major life-threatening consequences. Anorexia denies your body of what it needs to survive. A person with anorexia is not getting any of the food it needs to survive. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, anorexia results in a slow heart rate and low blood pressure which can lead to a higher risk in heart failure as the levels sink lower and lower (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). Moreover, this association states that anorexia also results in dry, brittle bones, muscle loss, fatigue, dry hair and skin, and severe dehydration which can result in kidney failure (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). Bulimia nervosa has many life-threatening conditions as well. The National Eating Disorder Association states that “bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions” (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). The binging and purging can affect a person’s organs and even teeth. Moreover, the Binge Eating Disorder has similar health conditions to those of obesity because binge eating often results in a person being overweight or obese. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, binge eating disorder can result in high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, heart disease, Type II diabetes, and gallbladder disease (“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders”). Those with eating disorders have many life-threatening conditions that can change their entire lives. Those who struggle with an eating disorder need to seek immediate professional help to get better or their life could possibly end. Although eating disorders have many life-threatening conditions, they can be treated. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, “the most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs” (“Treatment Basics”). During psychological treatment they address what exactly led to this person’s eating disorder and their symptoms so that they can help them get better. The person needs help in getting back to a normal, healthy lifestyle. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, many people with eating disorders respond to different forms of therapy and counseling under careful medical supervision (“Treatment Basics”). Other than therapy there are other treatments that include medications that pertain to each individual’s disorder. There are antidepressants to make a person feel better and even medication for binge eaters to make them feel full faster so they don’t eat as much. Moreover, hospitalization may be required to take care of those with more severe disorders. Each individual has certain needs and their individual treatment may vary. Many individuals do recover from eating disorders but the long term outcome is not very good. According Timothy B. Walsh in his article “Eating Disorders: Progress and Problems,” “The frequency of depression is high and social and occupational functioning is often impaired. Many individuals remain irrationally concerned about weight gain and never achieve a normal body weight” (Walsh 1388). Ultimately, recovery is possible but it can still leave a deep wound in your life. It is up to the individual to have a huge positive outlook on their recovery. There are many ways that an eating disorder can be treated but it would be even better if we could help prevent others from even getting one in the first place. “Prevention is any systematic attempt to change the circumstances that promote, initiate, sustain, or intensify problems like eating disorders” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). There are numerous ways that eating disorders can be prevented. Often, eating disorders are caused by self-esteem issues either because people are bullying them or they just do not hear how wonderful they are enough. One way you can boost a person’s self-esteem is to compliment them and reassure them that they are perfect the way they are. There are many different groups that can help prevent eating disorders. Two types of prevention include universal prevention and targeted prevention. Universal prevention “aims to promote healthy development, understanding of the many complex issues that cause eating disorders and to stop eating disorders before they begin” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). Universal prevention involves the general public to help those that may show signs of an eating disorder. “Targeted prevention targets people who are beginning to show indications of eating disorders” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). These people do not necessarily have and eating disorder yet but they have some body image dissatisfaction and the goal is to prevent it. “Prevention programs can alter knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with eating disorders and disordered eating” (“Eating Disorder Prevention”). If society works together we can help prevent eating disorders and help those who have them. An eating disorder is any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Eating disorders are a huge problem throughout the world, especially in the United States. There are numerous eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. Eating disorders can be caused by a low self-esteem, being bullied about weight, media’s ideal image, or even abuse. Treatments include psychotherapy, counseling, and medicine can help a person with an eating disorder to get better. If we work together to create a better society and help those in need and be nicer in general we can prevent some people from eating disorders. Eating disorders are a very serious issue that everyone should be aware of.
Bibliography
"A Fear of Food: A History of Eating Disorders." Random History. 13 Dec. 2008. Web. 24 Apr.
2014. Found at: <http://www.randomhistory.com/2008/08/08_eating.html>.
“Eating Disorder Prevention” National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 30 Apr. 2014. Found at: <http://nationaleatingdisorders.org>
“Factors That May Contribute to Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorder Association.
Web. 27 Apr. 2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
"General Information" National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 24 Apr. 2014. Found at:
<http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>.
“Get The Facts On Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorder Association. Web. 2 May. 2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 28 Apr.
2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
Harlow, Bernard L., Rayworth, Beth B., and Wise, Lauren A. "Childhood Abuse And Risk Of
Eating Disorders In Women." Epidemiology (): 271-278. Print.
This article discussed how childhood abuse could potentially increase the risk of eating disorders in women. They performed a case study to see if childhood abuse was a factor in those who had eating disorders. This source was credible because it was a scholarly article. The authors all have a degree in epidemiology. I used this information to describe one cause of eating disorders and how abuse can lead to eating disorders.
“Treatment Basics” National Eating Disorder Association.Web. 28 Apr. 2014. Found at: <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/>
Walsh, Timothy B., and Devlin, Michael. "Eating Disorders: Progress and Problems." Science ():
1387 1390. Print.
This article by Timothy B.
Walsh and Michael Devlin talks about research on anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It discusses abnormalities that go along with these eating disorders and the impacts culture and family has on the individual. The article discusses possible treatments for the eating disorders as well. This article is credible because the article is a scholarly source. The author Timothy is reliable because he is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Medical School and was on the Staff of Columbia University Medical Center where he established the Eating Disorders research unit. I used the information in this article because it contained very credible info about my
topic.