When people hear the phrase “eating disorders,” many would immediately link with binge eating, or overeating. But overeating is simply an aspect of the entire problem. Indeed, there are many eating disorders that many people are suffering from. The medical community have identified the most common disorders, which are listed below:
1. Bulimia Nervosa
More common among young females than in males bulimia nervosa involves a massive craving for food where the patient devours more food than the body really needs. But after the person is full, she feels guilty and purges the food through vomiting, self-administration of enemas or laxatives, or even starving herself. The result is a constant cycle of renewed hunger and starvation, which alters the body’s digestive system.
2. Anorexia Nervosa
This is a very serious and possibly deadly eating disorder. The patient refuses to eat food for fear of gaining extra weight or becoming obese even though she is way below her normal weight. She often avoids taking in sufficient food and is obsessed with exercising to stay fit. Without a sufficient amount of nutrients, the patient’s body slowly gives out. Anorexia nervosa affects more females than males.
3. Binge Eating
Very common in Western nations, binge eating disorder (BED) is about devouring more than needed. People usually binge as an escape from the pains of stress, anxiety, depression, frustrations, unhappiness, and other hurtful feelings.
4. Orthorexia Nervosa
Less common than the above mentioned eating disorders, orthorexia nervosa is the uncontrollable impulse to consume only the “proper” food at the “proper” amount. Eating healthy food is good, but obsession to only take in what is considered healthy and not getting anything else is not. In fact, specialists reported that it is even helpful to reward yourself with an ice cream, cake, french fries from time to time.
Worse, the treatment is not easy. People suffering from orthorexia consider medicines as impure or unnatural and will refuse taking them.
For more information about eating disorders and how to treat them, visit Charter Day Care or browse their website.