Eating Disorders

& the affects on Human Growth & Development

Thousands of women and an increasing number of men look in the mirror everyday and hate what they see, because of a fixed 'image' in their mind of what the ideal is made out to be. When in reality the ideal is liking who you are and the way you are made. For some people it is a little more complicated, and easier said than done.

It is obvious in today's society that there is an interest in being fit or in other words - thin, and the widespread practice of dieting can sometimes be difficult to tell where simple dieting stops and an eating disorder begins.

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.

Psychological Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

* Low self-esteem

* Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life

* Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness

Interpersonal Factors that Can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

* Troubled family and personal relationships

* Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings

* History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight

* History of physical or sexual abuse

Social Factors that Can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

* Cultural pressures that glorify "thinness" and place value on obtaining the "perfect body"

* Narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes

* Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths

Other Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

* Scientists are still researching possible biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders. In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been found to be imbalanced. The exact meaning and implications of these imbalances remains under investigation.

* Eating disorders afflict millions of people, thousands of which will die from them yearly.

(2002, National Eating Disorders Association)

Firstly, there is Disordered eating, and eating disorders - there is a difference!

Disordered eating refers to mild and brief changes in eating patterns that occur in relation to a stressful event, an illness, or even a desire to modify one's diet for a variety of health and personal appearance reasons. The problem may be no more than a bad habit, a style of eating adapted from friends or family members, or an aspect of preparing for athletic competition.

While disordered eating can lead to weight loss or weight gain and to certain nutritional problems, it rarely requires in-depth professional attention. On the other hand, disordered eating can develop into an eating disorder. If disordered eating becomes continuous, distressing, or starts to interfere with everyday activities, then it may require professional evaluation.

It is known that disordered eating or dieting can turn into an eating disorder, and it is important to understand that an eating disorder is an illness. Eating disorders involve physiological changes associated with food restricting, binge eating, purging, and fluctuations in weight. They also involve a number of emotional and cognitive changes that affect the way a person perceives and experiences his or her body.

An eating disorder is not a diet, a sign of personal weakness, or a problem that will go away by itself. An eating disorder requires professional attention.

Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders

Disordered Eating Eating Disorders

Essential Distinction A reaction to life situations. A habit. An illness.

Psychological Symptoms Infrequent thoughts and behaviors about body, foods, and eating that do not lead to health, social, school, and work problems. Frequent and persistent thoughts and behaviors about body, foods, and eating that do lead to health, social, school, and work problems

Associated Medical Problems May lead to brief weight changes or nutritional problems; rarely causes major medical complications. Can result in major medical complications that lead to hospitalization or even death.

Treatment Education and/or self-help group can assist with change. Psychotherapy and nutritional counseling can be helpful but are not usually essential.

Problem may go away without treatment. Requires specific professional medical and mental health treatment.

Problem does not go away without treatment.

(The Harvard Eating Disorders Centre (HEDC))

Statistics

* More than 5 million Americans experience eating disorders. (1) National Institute of Mental Health. (1994).

* Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are diseases that affect the mind and body simultaneously. (1) National Institute of Mental Health. (1994).

* Three percent of adolescent and adult women and 1% of men have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. (1) National Institute of Mental Health. (1994).

* A young woman with anorexia is 12 times more likely to die than other women her age without anorexia. (2) Sullivan, P.F. (1995).

* Fifteen percent of young women have substantially disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. (3) Mintz, L.B., & Betz, N.E. (1988).

* Between 10% and 15% of those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa are men. (4) Andersen, A.E., & Holman, J.E. (1997)

* Forty percent of fourth graders report that they diet either "very often" or "sometimes."