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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 out of 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. Although women are the most likely ones who are affected, men also suffer with this sickness. It typically occurs in the teenage years, basically in a pursuit of a body shape or weight.

What exactly is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a real and major problem. It’s described by significant changes in eating behavior, which includes extreme decrease in food intake or too much gorging. There are two primary forms of eating disorders, namely anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; other types are incorporated into a category called “eating disorders not otherwise specified” (EDNOS). But let’s put our attention on the two major types.

Anorexia nervosa – this kind of eating disorder is described by constant wish of slimness and disinclination of putting on weight. Those who have this kind of ailment view themselves as “overweight” though the truth is they are skinny and undernourished.

Signs and symptoms:

-Fear of gaining weight
-Lack of menstruation
-Performance of weight loss by extreme dieting and over-exercising or self-induced vomiting, laxative, diuretic, and enema misuse
-Has distorted body image
-Physical symptoms include growth of fine hair all over the body, brittle hair and nails, yellowish and dry skin, muscle loss and weakness

A couple of widely known celebrities who dealt with this disease are American socialite Nicole Richie, well-known singer Karen Carpenter, and actress Mary-Kate Olsen.

Bulimia nervosa – this kind of disordered eating is recognized by frequently ingesting large amounts of foods immediately followed by purging or self-induced vomiting to make up for the overeating.

Signs and symptoms:

-Binge-eating (extreme consumption of huge amounts of food accompanied with a feeling lack of control over eating)
-Purging (extreme measures of weight loss such as exercise, fasting, or self-induced vomiting)
-Extreme fear of weight gain
-Feeling of discontentment towards body shape and weight
-Physical symptoms include chronic sore throat, dental problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and severe dehydration from loss of fluids.

Celebrities who have encountered this serious problem included Spice Girls’ “Ginger Spice” Geri Halliwell, American Idol judge Paula Abdul, and Katy Perry’s fianc, Russell Brand.

By today, the most effective remedy against these disorders is the combination of pharmacological and psychological approaches such as the utilization of antidepressants and psychotherapy. Though researches have been developed to determine the exact causes and treatments to address this illness, it must be recognized that eating disorders are real, are treatable, and above all, are remarkably avoidable.

Quit dieting and begin living! For available information and facts on physical health, general fitness, and several information regarding how to lose weight safely through appropriate workouts and proper eating plan, visit our online fitness page today.

categories: eating disorders, anorexia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, bulimia nervosa, eating disorder