When worrying about weight goes to extremes

This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics approximately 24 million Americans have some type of eating disorder. These disorders are serious medical conditions that occur when people spend most of their time focused on food and, oftentimes, body image. Although eating disorders are frequently found among females, men and boys can also be affected by abnormal eating habits.

The American Psychological Association lists three main types of eating disorders.

1. 
   Anorexia nervosa occurs when people see themselves as fat but are really very thin from extreme diet restriction.
2. 
   Bulimia nervosa is diagnosed when people eat large amounts of food, often in secret, and then purge by vomiting or using laxatives. Or, instead of purging, excessive exercise or fasting are used to keep weight down.
3. 
   Binge-eating disorder describes the regular habit of eating excessively without the purge.

Females, adolescents, and athletes (such as dancers, rowers, and gymnasts who keep their weight fine-tuned) are at risk for eating disorders. With the continuing emphasis on obesity and body image in our country, even very young children are at risk.

Eating disorders left untreated can severely impact one’s health. Anorexia can lead to an abnormally slow heart beat, osteoporosis, muscle loss, fatigue, dry skin, and dry hair. Bulimia can result in heart failure, inflammation of the esophagus, tooth decay, ulcers, and pancreatitis. Binge eating shares the risks of obesity including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Centers in the Birmingham area offer hope and help for those with eating disorders. These centers include:

• 
  Eating Disorder Center of Alabama
• 
  A Center for Eating Disorders
• 
  Personal Relationships
• 
  Cahaba Psychology Center
• 
  Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders

For more information on eating disorders, symptoms, and treatment, visit the Eating Disorders Information Network and the National Institutes of Health.

Photo Credit: sattva/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The articles written by Andrea Wenger, Birmingham Diets Examiner, are for informational purposes only and are not to be used in the place of medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or other medical professional before changing any health care routine or before starting any diet, fitness, or exercise program. Although every effort has been made to include the most current information, new information is released daily and may cause some recommendations to change.