Eating Disorders

​Not only can eating disorders have a fatal effect on one's physical health, they can also cause fatal disorders to one's mental health. Those who suffer from extreme eating disorders put themselves in stressful situations everyday so that they can feel better about their bodies. Furthermore, people with eating disorders might find they are never happy with their weight or body, and always craving further perfection. Because they are not able to attain this unrealistic standard, they feel they are flawed and useless, leading to suicidal thoughts. Lastly, sufferers may feel like a burden when seeking treatment and that their loved ones would be better off without them. This way of thinking can have disastrous effects.

Anorexia

Anorexia is a disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat. Those with anorexia have difficulty keeping a suitable body weight.

Signs

• Obsession with food content or calories
• Intense dieting
• Ritualistic eating patterns

Causes

• The media's influence on the ideal body type 
• Biological and environmental factors
• Careers that promote thinness

Effects

• Dehydration
• Abnormal blood pressure
• Thin hair
• Brittle nails​​
• Sudden, drastic weight loss

Bulimia

Bulimia is classified as overeating followed by purging to control weight. People with this eating disorder are dissatisfied with their body image. They eat and then purge, meaning they either vomit or use other methods of removing food from their body.

Signs 

• Preoccupation with weight 
• Unusual amounts of food waste and wrappers
• Smells or stains caused by vomit
• Cuts and calluses on hands (caused by induced vomiting)

 Causes

• Poor body-image or self- image
• Stress
• Need to feel control 

Effects 

• Rotted teeth from vomiting
• General strain on all parts of the body

Binge Eating

Binge eating is an eating disorder involving episodes of binging, or eating excessive amounts of food. During a binge, one is overcome by a feeling of loss of control. It is usually followed by feelings of intense shame and guilt. People with the disorder do not normally use unhealthy purging methods like those with bulimia. It can lead to weight gain. The added pounds can lead to negative thoughts about body image, and, in turn, can lead to overeating to compensate for the negative thoughts, creating a vicious cycle.

Signs

• Eating when not hungry
• Eating to the point of discomfort
• Eating alone
• Eating quickly

Causes

• Depression
• Poor body-image or self- image
• Loneliness

Effects

• ​Feelings of shame and guilt
• Rapid weight gain
  
• Type 2 diabetes in extreme cases
  

The Fine Line

Often, people can confuse healthy weight loss with an unhealthy eating disorder. However, there is a fine line between the two which can be characterized by the following:

                            Healthy Weight Loss:                           

• Healthy eating habits
• Subtle, slow weight change
• Being okay with having something unhealthy every so often ​

                        Unhealthy Eating Disorder:

• Weight fluctuation
• Abnormal eating habits
• Excessive workout routines
• Low energy
• Lack of self-control
• Poor body self-image

---

How to Help

How to help yourself:

• Surround yourself with healthy, supportive people ​
• Try to have a realistic body image and stay away from unhealthy ideals
• Be a part of activities ​that encourage body positivity 
• Tell a trusted friend or adult

How to help a friend:

• Educate yourself 
• Provide support
  
• Suggest speaking to a professional
  
• Avoid creating conflicts with friend
• Do not make them feel shame or embarrassment​