Eating Disorders Essay

Tabitha HernandezMrs. HammillBiologyJune 11th, 2012 Eating Disorders Eating disorders are a worldwide problem and effect the lives of many. Women are much more likely than men to develop an eating disorder. One of three women have eating disorders, most of these women began to have the eating disorder due to stress, depression, and anger. Eating disorders stem is often formed with problem with self image caused by the media. Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one's life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person's physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control. Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes. Once started, they can create a self-perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional destruction. In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are struggling with the binge eating disorder. Because of secretiveness and shame associated with eating disorders, many cases are probably not reported. Many individuals struggle with body dissatisfaction and sub-clinical disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. It has been shown that 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance. In 2003, review of literature has found that 40% of newly identified cases of anorexia are in girls 15-19 years old. Only one-third