The media places a great deal of emphasis on their ideal of how society should look and dress which frequently influences inappropriate eating and weight loss behaviors, especially in young girls and women. Many celebrities experience eating disorders resulting from pressure to maintain an unrealistic appearance. Research indicates that 98% of models are thinner than the average American woman; perhaps that is why 86% of American women are unhappy with their appearance. Individuals who favorably view the body shapes portrayed and at the same time have a negative image of their body size are more likely to develop an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Binge eating.
All three disorders are serious and involve an obsession with foods and body weight. An eating disorder is a medical illness that occurs from maladaptive eating patterns. Individuals often hide their eating disorder from their family or friends for extended periods of time. Disorders develop in several ways: low self esteem, stress, desire for control, overly critical families, and/or abuse. Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or a break-up may also be contributing factors.
Anorexics have a feeling of being fat even when they are extremely thin, have constant thoughts of losing weight, restrict their food intake, exercise excessively due to an extreme fear of gaining weight, and continually diet or starve themselves to maintain their desired weight. The longer this pattern occurs the more likely the individual will develop malnutrition or potentially fatal medical concerns.
While Anorexics have an extremely low body weight, the weight of individuals with Bulimia appears to be normal but fluctuates. Bulimics eat a large quantity of food quickly then purge by vomiting, or misusing laxatives or diuretics. Some exercise excessively or starve after a binge. Consequently they experience dehydration, irregular heartbeats, and digestive problems. Bulimics typically hide their binge-purge behavior. However, noticeable symptoms are continual trips to the bathroom after meals, scars on the knuckles, and frequent mood changes. Bulimics tend to avoid restaurants, planned meals, and social functions. They feel purging maintains and reduces their body weight; although vomiting is ineffective as only 50% of the calories consumed are reduced. Laxatives and enemas also have little effect.
Binge Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia, the individual has episodes of overeating in a short time period. Unlike Bulimics they do not purge afterwards, which causes obesity. During these binges they often eat alone and very quickly, consuming large amounts of food. Regardless of hunger or fullness, binge eaters experience a lack of control over their eating. Binge eating is also known as compulsive overeating and is believed to affect millions of Americans.
When family members or friends criticize an individual’s weight it leads to low self esteem, subsequently in an attempt to please, an eating disorder can develop. Treating individuals with an eating disorder is a complex process with positive treatment outcomes occurring through a combination of psychological, nutritional, and medical care. Depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses often co-occur with an eating disorder.
Family and friends can provide support by learning about eating disorders, talking to a health care provider, expressing concern and support for treatment, being patient and promoting a positive self-image. Relapses do occur, it is important to avoid blaming the individual or others as it may negatively impact recovery and increase feelings of guilt or doubt.
For more information on eating disorders call Gratiot County Community Mental Health Services at 989-463-4971 or visit the web site nationaleatingdisorders.org.