Different Types of Eating Disorders & the Risks They Pose

Millions of people around the world, mainly young women suffer from eating disorders. There are two main types of eating disorders- Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. The two types have to be studied carefully and the sufferers should be guided with love and understanding.

People suffering Anorexia Nervosa show some typical characteristics. The person has very low body weight in relation to his or her height, almost 15% lower than normal. The fear of gaining weight constantly nags the Anorexics . Anorexic females suffer from amenorrhea or the non-occurrence of three successive menstrual cycles. By not eating anorexics hope to lose weight or at least maintain their existing low weight. In doing so, they deprive their body of the much needed nutrients needed to survive. They end up critically ill.

Anorexia Nervosa has been blamed for the loss of thousands of lives mostly women, while many millions end up physical and mental wrecks. Most of the Anorexics have an uncompromising mind and low self-confidence. They set high standards for themselves and constantly strive to achieve them. However, some times they do not make the grade for reasons beyond their control. Now, they focus all their attention on their body weight. They know they have the power to control their body weight. In a way, they punish themselves for their failure and eat very little.

People with Bulimia Nervosa find comfort in consuming enormous quantities of food within shorts periods. A feeling of guilt follows this binging. They decide to put things right by getting rid of what they ate by purging themselves. They resort to induced vomiting, using laxatives or through crash dieting or fasting. A vicious cycle of binging and purging takes place. Such extreme behaviors and obsessions may be likened to other behavioral problems like shoplifting, compulsive lying, and sexual immorality. They suffer from depression and trauma

Eating disorders in individuals are a response to many factors -the absence of certain hormones in the body is one the factors. The society should be blamed the wrong attitudes and ideas that young people have. The stars in the movies we watch and the models that make fashion statements go to great lengths to maintain their body weight. They are what many young women aspire to be. We must ensure that our children get the right message that true beauty lies within ones self. The stress should be on health rather than weight. A healthy life style of balanced diet and regular exercise could go a long way in keeping away these disorders.