Eating Disorders: Beyond Anorexia and Bulimia

Although anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are the most commonly known eating disorders, there are other disorders that are just as dangerous and are affecting many people worldwide. These disorders include Bigorexia, Night Eating Syndrome, Sleep Eating Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Orthorexia Nervosa, and many less common and dangerous disorders as well. These disorders are clearly different, but are all dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible.

Bigorexia, also known as muscle dysmorphia, is commonly known as "reverse anorexia." Those who suffer from this disorder becomes obsessed with the idea that they are not muscular enough, inevitably resorting to constantly working out and using steroids. Bigorexia isn't as life-threatening as anorexia; it is actually the use of steroids on top of unhealthy eating habits that make this disorder so risky. Recovery from this disease is nevertheless very difficult because, like anorexics, these sufferers usually will not admit their problem. In the fortunate situations in which sufferers receive therapy, they will undergo behavioral changes, be given much social support, and most likely be put on medication.

Night Eating Syndrome consists of morning anorexia, abnormally increased appetite in the evening, and insomnia. Night eaters prefer carbohydrates over healthy snacks, therefore creating a very unhealthy diet. This disorder is thought to be genetic in some cases and is treatable with the use of prescription medication. NES has not yet been officially declared an eating disorder, but as treatment techniques are being further developed, it shouldn't be much longer.

Another sleep-eating problem is Sleep Eating Disorder, in which sufferers have reoccurring episodes of sleep walking, at which time they binge on high-fat and sugar foods. Sufferers from this disease often have a history of drug and alcohol abuse, and sleep disorders, and also often diet throughout the day. Like NES, SED is also thought to be genetic and treatment modalities are pending, however there are options such as stress management classes, and observations for people currently suffering from this disorder.

Body Dysmophic Disorder is an obsession with a defect in appearance, which may be real or imagined. BDD affects approximately two percent of people in the United States; seventy percent of these cases appear in those younger then age eighteen. Unlike other disorders, BDD affects both males and females equally, and is mainly based on social phobias. Sufferers are often found to be depressed and obsessive compulsive. Treatment for this disorder, including medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy, is available and proven to work effectively.

Also, lets not forget the most common eating disorder in the United States, binge eating. Binge eating is more common than both anorexia and bulimia combined, affecting approximately twenty-five million people in the U.S.

Binge eating is defined as excessive or compulsive consumption of food. This disorder usually consists of bursts of uncontrolled eating lasting less than two hours, occurring at least twice a week. Binge eaters usually suffer from low self esteem, depression, and mood swings. Health problems associated with this disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, rupturing of the esophagus, and disease of the gallbladder.

More than thirty percent of binge eaters are male, which an unusually high statistic for an eating disorder. While binge eating disorder significantly affects males, it also affects three and a half percent of females, and usually lasts approximately eight years. The most common and effective form of therapy for treating BED is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which teaches people how to change their unhealthy eating habits. Most of the sufferers of binge eating disorder do not want help and are not interested in losing weight, however, it is important that all bingers receive at least some therapy. All of this disorders listed above are experienced by people throughout the world daily. Each of these eating disorders are very problematic and need to be addressed immediately.

Sources:
Hellmich, Nanci (2007, February 1). Binge Eating is No. 1 Food Disorder in USA. USA Today, 6D.
Less Well Known Eating Disorders and Related Problems. (2006, January 16). ANARED: Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. Retrieved: February 28, 2007 from: http://www.anared.com
Leutwyler, Kristin. (2006). Dying to be Thin. Scientific American Special Edition, 16 (4), 84-88.
Merriam-Webster. Retrieved: March 1, 2007 from: http://www.m-w.com
NEDA: National Eating Disorders Association. Retrieved: February 25, 2007 from: http://www.neda.org
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Wikipedia. Retrieved: February 26, 2007 from: http://www.wikipedia.org