What Is An Eating Disorder?

Most young girls, hell-bent on looking thin or when thin becomes an obsession or a "fashion", they fall into the trap of eating disorder........

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a negative change in eating behavior, typically manifested through extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or excessive overeating, accompanied by feelings of distress or extreme concerns about body shape or weight.

The 2 main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is when one engages in self-induced food restrictions and excessive exercise though underweight.

Bulimia nervosa is when one overeats uncontrollably, followed by self-induced vomitting and purging using laxatives.

An eating disorder usually develops during adolescence or early adulthood, but some can occur during childhood or later in adulthood.

An eating disorder doesn't stand alone - it tends to bring along other psychiatric problems such as depression, substance abuse and anxiety.

Sufferers can experience a wide range of physical health complications as well, such as heart conditions and kidney failure which may lead to death.

Females are much more likely than males to develop an eating disorder. For every 10 to 20 females with eating disorders, there would be only one male with similar problem.

What Is An Eating Disorder - The Symptoms

How to know if one suffers from an eating disorder?

Well, you can detect these signs and symptoms that usually accompany the disorder:

The Physical Signs:

1. Significant weight loss in a short period of time

2. Cessation of menstruation of at least 3 months or failure to begin menstruation at an appropriate age

3. Constipation

4. Loss of hair

5. Exhaustion

6. Hypertension

7. Dizziness and fainting spells

8. Dental enamel erosion

9. Excessively dry skin

10. Abdominal distress

The Psychological Signs:

1. Depression

2. Confusion

3. Unusual moodiness

4. Forgetfulness

5. Anxiety

6. Outbursts of anger

7. Sleep disorder

8. Spells of crying

9. Repetitive behaviour or thought

10.Bizzare obsessions

The Behaviour:

1. Not eating at all or extreme restriction to food intake

2. Cut food into small pieces

3. Excessive dieting

4. Eat only a few number of food groups (usually fruits, non-fat/low-fat foods)

5. Hide or hoard food

6. Eat unusually large amount of food

7. Throw up after meal/snack

8. Excessive intake of diet pills, laxatives and enemas

9. Spend long time in the toilet after eating

10. Exercise excessively

What Is An Eating Disorder - The Causes

According to researchers, causes that contribute to an eating disorder include one's personality, genetic make-up and pressure from society that for girls, being thin is the desired "hip" thing.

What Is An Eating Disorder - The Treatment

An eating disorder is a chronic condition with devastating physical, psychological and social consequences if not given immediate attention and multi-disciplinary approach treatments by experts like physicians, psychiatrists, dieticians and family therapists. It can be treated and a healthy weight restored.

Treatment of anorexia involves specific program that:

1. Restores weight lost due to severe dieting and purging;

2. Treats psychological conditions such as distortion of body image, low self-esteem and interpersonal conflicts;

3. Emphasises long-term remission and rehabilitation or full recovery.

Treatment for bulimia zeroes in to reduce or eliminate binge eating and purging behavior through:

1. Establishment of a pattern of regular,non-binge meals;

2. Encouragement of healthy but not excessive exercise and

3. Resolution of co-occurring conditions such as mood or anxiety disorders.

One thing though, a sufferer doesn't always admit that she's ill. As a result, she may strongly resist getting and staying in treatment. Family support and involvement are crucial to ensure that she receives needed care and rehabilitation.

What is An Eating Disorder - The Healthy Perspective

The best way to prevent an eating disorder is through the cultivation of healthy attitudes toward food, weight control, exercise and beauty or body image within families.


Cecelia Yap is a seasoned exerciser who walks the talk concerning exercise.

Her passion is exercise, fitness and eating right.

She shows you what works and what doesn't at her website: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/index.html

To know a healthy approach to eat for weight loss, go here: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/healthy-weight-loss-diets.html