Eating Disorders

Two of the most serious medical problems affecting teenage girls in America are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Both diseases are life- threatening and a shocking 20% of females ages 12- 30 battle one or both of them (the U.S. has the highest rate of eating disorders around the world). Young women with eating disorders suffer from a distorted image of their body, a desire to lose weight, and an obsession with weight. Although eating disorders can affect any age they occur most frequently in teenage girls, where the pressure to be thin and pretty is the strongest. Despite extensive research on eating disorders no one is certain what causes them and how they can be treated most effectively. For some, an eating disorder is a way of coping with stress, low self- esteem, depression, changes of puberty, or family problems. For others it is simply a matter of wanting to lose weight to fit the unhealthy image of models and celebrities. The media is a major contributor to the pressure put on teen girls to be thin, and therefore pretty. Not only is this an incorrect image but also a very dangerous one. All eating disorders need medical attention immediately. Recovery usually includes nutritional and psychological counseling, and extreme cases hospitalization. If necessary steps are not taken to stop the eating disorder permanent damage may result or even death, not to mention the emotional effects. Therefore, if you think you have an eating disorder talk to a person you trust. You will not be alone in your recovery, there are hundreds of doctors and friends to help you.

Anorexia Nervosa Victims of Anorexia nervosa restrict their food intake to a dangerously low amount of calories and fat grams. They lose an extreme amount of weight in a short period of time yet they always see themselves as fat. Some girls with anorexia purge (forcefully throw- up food) or use diuretics, laxatives, and diet pills. Anorexia is an extremely dangerous disorder which requires immediate attention. Warning signs of anorexia: Significant weight loss Loss of muscle tissue and body fat Loss of hair on head Growth of fine, fuzzy body hair Absence of menstrual period (amenorrhea) Dry, scaly skin Sensitivity to cold temperatures Difficulty sleeping Fatigue or dizziness Abdominal bloating Constipation Dental problems Low blood pressure, slower pulse Muscle cramps and/ or tremors Behavioral effects: Strict dieting, fasting, or refusal to eat except for small amounts of low- calorie foods Distorted body image Low self- esteem Abnormal fear of gaining weight Unnatural preoccupation with calories, fat, food Ritualistic eating habits, such as cutting up food into small pieces or chewing a certain number of times Withdrawal from family, friends, social activities Cooking and baking for others while not eating food Exercising too much perfectionism

These are a few of the long- term effects of prolonged anorexia. These symptoms can be prevented by seeing an eating disorder specialist. A weakened heart due to loss of heart muscle Decreased rate of metabolism Liver and kidney damage Brittle bones Dehydration Death (up to 20% of anorexics die from the disorder)

Bulimia People with Bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food uncontrollably (binge) and then purge to get it out of their system. The binges are usually a result of hunger from dieting. But despite the purging, bulimics often gain weight because not all calories can be thrown up. Like anorexia, bulimia is a very serious medical and psychological problem and must be dealt with immediately to minimize long- term damage. Warning signs of bulimia include: Weight fluctuations due to episodes of bingeing and purging Puffy face Broken blood vessels in face Vomiting of blood Blurred vision Severe tooth damage Sore throat Dependency on laxatives/ diuretics Irregular or no periods Heartburn, indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, constipation Behavioral effects: Throwing up after meals Bingeing on large amounts of food in short periods of time (usually about 2,000+ calories at once) Sneaking or hiding food to binge on later Feeling guilty about eating large amounts of food Low self- esteem Abnormal concern about weight and body shape Fear of not being able to stop bingeing and purging Fasting or dieting between binges Exercising compulsively to burn calories from binge Depression, mood swings, isolation, suicide attempts Severe effects include: Electrolyte (sodium, potassium) imbalance which can lead to heart failure and dehydration Internal bleeding Liver and kidney damage Death