Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder Taylor N. Dougherty
Grand Canyon University: BIO-319
December 5, 2012
Eating Disorders In today’s society, humans feel the need to be perfect and appealing. Fit, size zero models are seen on every corner. Many women and men cannot handle the pressure and develop one or more eating disorders. “Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions in which one is so preoccupied with food and weight they can often focus on nothing else” (Mayoclinic.com, 2012). The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is found mostly in teenaged females. Individuals have an obsession to keep a certain body weight. “Sometimes it may start off as dieting, but it easily gets out of control” (WebMD.com, 2011). The individual may have a fear of extreme weight gain, being considered fat, or judgment on their body image. Many who suffer from anorexia lose their menstrual cycle, gain fuzzy hair, and have irregular body temperatures. Since the individual is not eating and most likely exercising to keep the “ideal image”, their body may suffer from dehydration, osteoporosis, electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, heart problems, or even death. Emotional support, dietitian, and a counselor can treat anorexia. If the weight drop is too severe, hospitalization may become necessary. Early recognition of anorexia is the best way to recovery for a suffering patient (WebMD.com, 2011). Bulimia nervosa victims are able to keep a normal body weight, but their fear of gaining extra weight and being considered fat drives this disease. It can be a “potential life-threatening eating disorder” (Mayoclinic.com, 2012). One type of bulimia is when the suffering individual will eat a large amount of food at one time, then they will purge. Purging means to vomit, over use laxatives, or over-exercise (anything to avoid
Grand Canyon University: BIO-319
December 5, 2012
Eating Disorders In today’s society, humans feel the need to be perfect and appealing. Fit, size zero models are seen on every corner. Many women and men cannot handle the pressure and develop one or more eating disorders. “Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions in which one is so preoccupied with food and weight they can often focus on nothing else” (Mayoclinic.com, 2012). The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is found mostly in teenaged females. Individuals have an obsession to keep a certain body weight. “Sometimes it may start off as dieting, but it easily gets out of control” (WebMD.com, 2011). The individual may have a fear of extreme weight gain, being considered fat, or judgment on their body image. Many who suffer from anorexia lose their menstrual cycle, gain fuzzy hair, and have irregular body temperatures. Since the individual is not eating and most likely exercising to keep the “ideal image”, their body may suffer from dehydration, osteoporosis, electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, heart problems, or even death. Emotional support, dietitian, and a counselor can treat anorexia. If the weight drop is too severe, hospitalization may become necessary. Early recognition of anorexia is the best way to recovery for a suffering patient (WebMD.com, 2011). Bulimia nervosa victims are able to keep a normal body weight, but their fear of gaining extra weight and being considered fat drives this disease. It can be a “potential life-threatening eating disorder” (Mayoclinic.com, 2012). One type of bulimia is when the suffering individual will eat a large amount of food at one time, then they will purge. Purging means to vomit, over use laxatives, or over-exercise (anything to avoid
References: Anorexia Nervosa - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment for Anorexia. (2011, August 25). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/anorexia-nervosa-topic-overview Binge-eating disorder: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com. (2012, April 3). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/binge-eating-disorder/DS00608/DSECTION=treatments%2Dand%2Ddrugs Bulimia nervosa - MayoClinic.com. (2012, April 3). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 7, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bulimia/DS00607 Eating disorders - MayoClinic.com. (2012, August 10). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eating-disorders/DS00294