What is the difference between anorexia nervosa & bulimia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in a form of self-starvation as for bulimia nervosa is another eating disorder in which individuals engage in repetitive cycles of binge-eating alternating with self-induced vomiting and laxation.
How common are eating disorders?
Every year, thousands of teens (and adults, too) develop eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. In fact, an estimated 24 million Americans meet the criteria for an eating disorder.
What should I do if I meet someone with an eating disorder?
It's not easy to watch someone you care about damage his or her health—especially when the solution appears, at least on the outside, to be simple. But eating disorders aren't really about food or weight. They are attempts to deal with emotional and stress-related issues. You can't force a person with an eating disorder to change, but you can offer your support and encourage treatment. And that can make a huge difference.
How should I talk to someone about their eating disorder?
Be careful to avoid critical or accusatory statements, as this will only make your friend or family member defensive. Instead, focus on the specific behaviors that worry you.
- Focus on feelings and relationships, not on weight and food. Share your memories of specific times when you felt concerned about the person’s eating behavior. Explain that you think these things may indicate that there could be a problem that needs professional help.
- Tell them you are concerned about their health, but respect their privacy. Eating disorders are often a cry for help, and the individual will appreciate knowing that you are concerned.
- Do not comment on how they look. The person is already too aware of their body. Even if you are trying to compliment them, comments about weight or appearance only reinforce their obsession with body image and weight.
- Make sure you do not convey any fat prejudice, or reinforce their desire to be thin. If they say they feel fat or want to lose weight, don't say "You're not fat." Instead, suggest they explore their fears about being fat, and what they think they can achieve by being thin.
- Avoid power struggles about eating. Do not demand that they change. Do not criticize their eating habits. People with eating disorders are trying to be in control. They don't feel in control of their life. Trying to trick or force them to eat can make things worse.
Avoid placing shame, blame, or guilt on the person regarding their actions or attitudes. Do not use accusatory “you” statements like, “You just need to eat.” Or, “You are acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use “I” statements. For example: “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting.” - Avoid giving simple solutions. For example, "If you'd just stop, then everything would be fine!"
What are the signs of someone with anorexia or bulimia?
In the early stages, it can be challenging to tell the difference between an eating disorder and normal self-consciousness, weight concerns, or dieting. As eating disorders progress, the red flags become easier to spot. But a person with an eating disorder will often go to great lengths to hide the problem, so it’s important to know the warning signs:
- Obsession with calories, food, or nutrition
- Constant dieting, even when thin
- Preoccupation with body or weight
- Eating alone, at night , or in secret
- Compulsive exercising
- Going to the bathroom right after meals
- Avoiding social situations that involve food
- Raped, unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Taking laxatives or diet pills
- Hoarding high-calorie food
- Making excuses to get out of eating
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
What causes an eating disorder?
The exact cause of an eating disorder is unknown it is believe that a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors contribute to the development of this illness.
biological factors include:
biological factors include:
- Irregular hormone functions
- Genetics (the tie between eating disorders and one’s genes is still being heavily researched, but we know that genetics is a part of the story).
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Negative body image
- Poor self-esteem
- Dysfunctional family dynamic
- Professions and careers that promote being thin and weight loss, such as ballet and modeling
- Aesthetically oriented sports, where an emphasis is placed on maintaining a lean body for enhanced performance. Examples include: rowing, diving, ballet, gymnastics, wrestling, long distance running.
- Family and childhood traumas: childhood sexual abuse, severe trauma
- Cultural and/or peer pressure among friends and co-workers
- Stressful transitions or life changes
Can anorexia and/or bulimia be cure?
Eating disorder behaviors you’ve learned can be unlearned if you’re motivated to change and willing to ask for help. However, overcoming an eating disorder is about more than giving up unhealthy eating behaviors. It is also about rediscovering who you are beyond your eating habits, weight, and body image.
True recovery from anorexia and bulimia involves learning to:
True recovery from anorexia and bulimia involves learning to:
- Listen to your body.
- Listen to your feelings.
- Trust yourself.
- Accept yourself.
- Love yourself.
- Enjoy life again.
Can guys be anorexic or bulimic?
Research have shown that men are likely to suffer with an eating disorder however women are more likely to have it.
Adapted from: Help Guide.org, National Eating Disorder Information Center and National eating Disorders Association