Eating Disorders

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Introduction When you think of the words “eating disorders”, you automatically picture someone who is thin. This is partly true because people who suffer from anorexia or bulimia are relatively thin, but what you did not know is that there is also an eating disorder that affects mostly those who are obese and it is called binge eating. Eating disorders are any of several psychological disorders characterized by serious disturbances of eating behavior (Merriam Webster, 2014), the best-known eating disorders are bulimia nervosa, binge eating and anorexia nervosa (Yancey, 1999). Not only do eating disorders have the highest mortality rate than any other mental illnesses, but it is estimated that in the U.S. twenty-four million people of all ages suffer from an eating disorder (ANAD). Eating Disorders are not just something that appear overnight and they certainly cannot be prevented, there are several factors that influence these disorders but with help and treatment they can be treated. Bulimia Bulimia nervosa is a serious psychiatric illness. People who suffer from bulimia binge eat regularly and try compensating for their behavior by over exercising, purging and fasting; according to the National Library of Medicine a significant number of people with bulimia also have anorexia (Nordqvist, 2009). There are many warning signs and symptoms that come along with bulimia such as: binge eating, purging, over exercising, constant change in bodyweight, disappearing after eating to the restroom, depression, and damaged teeth (Nordqvist, 2009). Not only does bulimia affect ones physical appearance but it also affects a persons state of health because there are many consequences that come along with this disorder such as: sto... ... middle of paper ... ...arch 15, 2014. http://www.latinpost.com/articles/8921/20140315/thinspiration-pro-ana-tips-social-media-trend-tumblr-instagram-threatens.htm (accessed March 19, 2014). tumblr. http://chelsea-stfu.tumblr.com/post/79952311334 (accessed March 19, 2014). tumblr. http://sunkissed-hayley.tumblr.com/post/74358592025/xtheperksofourstarsx-this-will-probably-always (accessed March 19, 2014). Weil, Andrew. WEIL. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00524/compulsive-overeating.html (accessed March 9, 2014). Welch, Ashley. The Dangers of Social Media: How #Thinspo Promotes Eating Disorders. February 25, 2014. http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/dangers-social-media-thinspo-promotes-eating-disorders-174700094.html (accessed March 19, 2014). Yancey, Diane. Eating Disorders. Brookfield, Connecticut: Twenty-First Century Books A Division of The Millbrook Press, Inc., 1999.

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