Eating Disorders

Introduction To Eating Disorders

2010-03-06T13:04:00.000+02:00

Eating disorders are among those modern conditions which aren't always taken seriously by the wider population, but which can have very serious effects for its victims. Indeed, far from being a minor problem which sufferers can solve simply by 'pulling themselves together', many of the eating disorders commonly seen are recognized psychological conditions which if left untreated can even turn out to be fatal. For this reason it's very important to spot any early signs of eating disorders in yourself, your family, or friends and colleagues, so that treatment can be started while the problem remains relatively easily coped with.

No one knows for sure how many people are affected by the main disorders, namely anorexia and bulimia, as the official figures inevitably under report the true extent of the problem. One of the features of these conditions, and anorexia in particular, is a lack of awareness in the sufferer that they actually have a problem, and so they naturally don't seek help. In the case of bulimia (binge eating compulsive eating), there is also often an element of guilt over what the sufferer acknowledges is inappropriate and uncontrolled behavior, again leading to an avoidance of treatment.

Bulimia is far more common than anorexia, with around 10% of women suffering from the former compared to 1% the latter. Among anorexics, around 10% of sufferers will eventually die as a result of the condition, and so should you spot any of the warning signs then medical advice should be urgently sought.

What is for sure is that eating disorders are more common than might be expected, and many consider the problem to be increasing in scope partly because of today's mass media promotion of attaining perfect body images.

Anorexia Nervosa, or plain anorexia as it's usually referred to as, is characterized by an unrealistic perception of ones own body. Sufferers will look into the mirror and see an overweight person looking back at them, however slim they may actually be. This constant desire to be thinner can lead to extreme dieting, excessive and obsessive exercise, and a preoccupation with food and avoiding it that can really take over a person's life. In extreme cases, the self starvation will continue unchecked until it proves fatal, even when the physical evidence that the sufferer is seriously underweight should be overwhelmingly obvious.

The effects of bulimia, on the other hand, may not be visible to outside observers. This disorder is characterized by bouts of hugely excessive eating, followed by purging activities to rid the body of the excess calories. Sufferers will lose control of their eating completely during these periods, gorging themselves way beyond any level of food intake necessary for health. Common methods of purging include self-induced vomiting and overuse of laxatives, and this is usually followed by a sense of self loathing and repulsion at the lack of control shown. The sufferer may also self-starve as both a form of atonement for their behavior and as a self imposed punishment.

While bulimia is not as physically harmful as anorexia, the psychological effects can be devastating, leading to depression and even more serious outcomes including suicide in the worst of cases. The physical signs of bulimia which can be observed tend to be related to the purging methods used, and include regularly bloodshot eyes, swollen glands, and dental erosion. In the long term, the dangers include digestive system problems such as ulcers, weakness and exhaustion, and even heart problems.

About the Author

Read about how to freeze potatoes and harvesting potatoes at the Potato Facts website.

Kids, Self Image and Eating Disorders

2010-03-06T13:01:00.000+02:00

If you, as a parent, have had an eating disorder, and therefore are concerned about your children also suffering an eating, you are wise to be so. The percentage of parents with eating disorders who have a child with an eating disorder is 85%. Much of the reason for this staggering statistic is the fact that recovery from an eating disorder is a daily process. Just ask anyone who has had an eating disorder, and they will tell you that they can be triggered at any time, and in order to maintain refrain from engaging in the behaviors of the eating disorder, they have to be constantly vigilant. Essentially they have to be very careful about how the view the relationship with food and the role it takes in their life. Not only do they have to be vigilant, they have to recognize how easily these triggers can affect their perception of themselves. Now just imagine how difficult this is, and multiply it by 100, and that may approximate how challenging it can be to not let your food issues affect your child's perception of food, or herself. Much of this can be explained by the tendency of those with a history of an eating disorder to polarize their sense of self around their weight.

Any sense of self that is based exclusively on one thing, or polarized, is unhealthy. But this is especially unhealthy when it comes to body image. If your child's sense of self is determined completely by what she weighs, how she looks, or what she can fit in to, she will begin to depend almost solely on that aspect of herself to feel good. The result of this is that her acceptance of herself will teeter on whether or not she meets her particular ideal body image. Days she does not weigh what she wants, or fit into the clothes she wants, will be fertile grounds for depression, anxiety, and yes, using either restriction of, or dependence on, food to feel better. When the only thing that makes your child feel better is how she looks or what she weighs, she is going to obsess and fixate on it. Obsessing and fixating on things will make them more bound to emotion, and therefore, more powerful. If she thinks she can change how she looks, she will begin to restrict food, or purge it, and when she gets tired of that, and feels out of control, she may begin to binge.

When this happens, any focus on her weight, food intake, or behavior around food, will add fuel to the fire. If this cycle continues long enough, the child will lose her sense of self outside of her body image. As she looks more and more to her weight and body image to feel good about herself, she will lose sight of other factors that can determine her sense of self, or make her feel good. As her parent, you see her sink lower and lower into depression, and develop more obsessive behaviors around food. Thinking that she will feel better if she loses weight, that becomes your focus as well. When this occurs, the relationship between you and your child can begin to revolve around food and weight as well. Clearly, this only exacerbates the problem. As your child has no way to feel better other than trying to attain a specific, probably unrealistic, body image, she needs to learn how to feel better in other ways.

This is where you, the parent come in. To help deconstruct your child's exclusive focus on weight and food, you have to help her see herself outside of her weight. What this means is to help her identify other factors that represent a positive sense of self. Stop and think for a minute. What is your daughter really good at? Is she a talented artist, musician, student, or athlete? Whatever it is, it is important to begin to bring this part of herself to light, and make it a more evident measure of success to her. For example, let's say that your daughter is extremely intelligent, as evidenced by exceptional grades or standardized test scores. Remind her of this, emphasizing in what ways this can help her in terms of her goals. Avoid comparing her scores to others, and instead link her scores to her goals. Yes this means she will have to determine goals other than weight loss. This can be very healthy for her to begin to see herself outside of her weight loss struggles. Once she has these goals, helping her see her signature strengths, that are defined by her successes, such as test scores, can help her on begin to increase her focus on these goals.

As she focuses more on these goals, and you help draw her attention to her successes and strengths that pave a path to these goals, she can begin to allow these things to be larger determinants of her sense of self, and as this occurs, she will begin to feel better about herself in general, and probably adopt healthier eating habits. Succinctly, by focusing less on her weight, she will be more likely to eat healthier and maintain a healthy weight. A positive byproduct of this is that your relationship with her also becomes less tied to her weight, and healthier as well. What parent doesn't want a healthier relationship with her daughter, especially when it means she has a healthier relationship with food. For more information see http://liveinfitness.com

About the Author

In the field of weight loss, few take the approach that Eric Viskovicz does. A lifetime in competitive sports, including at the college, coupled with a history of an eating disorder, and a 50 pound weight struggle has given Eric Viskovicz a unique insight into the mind of the person who struggles with weight, as well as the mind of the professional athlete.

Having Eating Disorders? Tips to follow during holidays

2010-03-06T12:58:00.000+02:00

Have a list of things you can do to relax and distract yourself temporarily if you feel uncomfortable in a situation

Only deal with small doses of feelings at any given time

Listen to your inner voice repeating positive statements only

Imagine yourself to be calm and confident as you repeat "I am ok, I can do this"

Do remind yourself of times when you successfully handled other difficulties

Acknowledge your right to have fun and feel comfortable during this time!

You know that you are in control of your feelings

Seize the day!

For people with eating disorders, holidays can be a stressful time; however, with some forward planning, you may feel more relaxed and prepared for situations that arise.

DO: Tips to follow for getting relief from eating disorders during holidays

Plan ahead of time to help you cope in difficult situations for example- if you feel yourself starting to panic because you are feeling too full or you have eaten foods you consider "bad", remind yourself it is OK, and that most people eat more when on holidays. This one time will not make you gain weight.
Try not to count calories or weigh yourself
Make a list of things to do to relax and distract yourself - go for a walk, a swim, write in your journal, listen to music, talk to someone.
If you do have a period where you end up bingeing or purging- do not dwell on it- just because it happened once, doesn't mean it has ruined your day or that this has to happen again.
Take control - if you have to go for a meal with a large group of people where you may feel uncomfortable, plan ahead and YOU choose the restaurant and seating arrangements so that you know in advance what is on the menu and who you will be sitting beside.
Do not allow yourself to be pressurised into eating more than you are comfortable with- you have a voice so use it!

About the Author

Are you also planning for a holiday but worried because of eating disorders? Visit Kildarestreetclinic, specialised eating disorder treatment center offering effective Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the treatment of Bulimia, Anorexia and other binge eating disorders.

How Can You Help Friends, Relatives, and Co Workers with Eating Disorders?

2010-02-14T22:08:00.002+02:00

Unfortunately many people have serious food disorders. These include Anorexia Nervosa, who's suffers literally starve themselves in an endless pursuit of being thin, often to the point of death, Bulimia Nervosa, characterized by pigging out and then vomiting purposefully as well as other unhealthy practices, and Compulsive Overeating, which I occasionally have a problem with.

These food disorders can be extremely unhealthy, including leading to death! Over 90% of sufferers are adolescents or young women as well, although they can strike anyone.

It can be difficult to discuss a possible eating disorder with someone. You need to be gentle, kind, and caring. Also get some information, such as on local treatment centers, therapists, group therapy sessions, and nutritionists that specialize in these. You can even offer to go along to an initial meeting.

Some people may claim they have no problem, however perhaps you can convince them that even if there is a possibility of a problem they should consult a medical professional. Discussing things rationally and supportively can be very helpful, but nothing works 100% of the time.

Treating an eating disorder requires collaboration, between the sufferer and usually a medical doctor, psychiatric professional, and nutritionist. There is no magic cure or magic pill.

About the Author

Harry Baldwin writes on food, health and home issues. See his latest articles at Bookcases and Shelves and Floating Wall Shelves. He often overeats and worries about it!

How to Spot the Two Common Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia

2010-02-14T22:05:00.000+02:00

Millions of teenage girls and women all around the world are recorded to have eating disorders. As defined in medical terminology, an eating disorder is a disturbing drive or obsession to eat or not eat that greatly affects one's mental as well as physical health and condition.

Today, eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia, are commonly associated to Hollywood female celebrities, for it has somehow became a trend among stars that a thin physique is sexier and more attractive. Famous female celebrities who are rumored to have eating disorders are Nicole Richie, Mary Kate Olsen, and Britney Spears.

There are different types of eating disorders, and anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two of the most common cases. These two types of eating problems can result to serious and grave effects to one's health.

Anorexia and bulimia are two different cases of eating disorder. In order to identify them properly, the following are the characteristics of anorexia and bulimia:

Defining anorexia
Anorexia is characterized as a psychological eating problem, wherein one possesses a very thin physique because she refuses to eat or drink anything, thus, causing the lack of nutrients absorbed in her body. A teenage girl or a woman refuses to eat anything because of an extreme fear and anxiety of becoming fat. Another cause of this type of eating disorder is a woman's wrong perception of her body weight and shape, thinking that she is still fat and big even though she is not consuming any food at all.

Common symptoms of anorexia are:
1. Extreme of excessive consciousness on one's body or figure. 2. Irregular menstrual cycle. 3. Selective eating habit; preferring meals that are low in calories and fat. 4. Prefers to wear baggy clothes to hide thin physique. 5. Regularly skips or avoids meals. 6. Maintains a strict and strong exercise routine.

Physical and emotional effects of anorexia:
1. Exhaustion and fatigue 2. Less immunity to other diseases 3. Always irritable 4. Depressed 5. Isolates self from friends and family members

Defining bulimia
Bulimia is different from anorexia in the sense that a bulimic person eats too much food, then eventually gets rid of extra calories by means of vomiting, extreme fasting, or too much exercise. The known cause of this type of eating disorder is binge eating. Bulimia is basically attributed to the binge-and-purging cycle. Common Symptoms of bulimia are:

1. Irregular eating patterns 2. Too much or abnormal consumption of food 3. Over-conscious of body weight and physical appearance 4. Constant vomiting

Physical and emotional effects of Bulimia:
1. Malnourished physical appearance 2. Brittle nails and dry skin 3. Self-esteem issues 4. Always stressed out and depressed

Although anorexia and bulimia are generally treatable, these types of eating disorders require support and help from family and friends in order for one to effectively break the habit of zero food consumption, binge eating, as well as the purging cycles. However, if the anorexic or bulimic condition is already beyond serious, treatment becomes more difficult and may even be useless.

About the Author

For tips on living with one kidney and kidney flush, visit the Kidney Ache website.

Regain a Balanced Food Habit with the Help of Eating Disorder Treatment Centers

2010-02-14T22:02:00.000+02:00

While some people consume excessive foods, there are some who indulge into an inadequate food habit with a fear of gaining weight. Both of them are actually suffering from a disease called eating disorder. It is not just a bad eating habit but a manifestation of their disturbed mental state of mind.

There can be a lot of causes behind eating disorders such as family hazards, lack of self-respect, depression and emotional problems. In some cases, this disorder is the end result of shocking past experiences like physical abuse or mental torture. The overcritical remarks for being out of shapes from friends and family members or crazy for looks and attitude of the society can also be blamed for eating disorder among some patients.

As far as the treatment of eating disorder is concerned, the first thing to do is to seek professional guide to cure it. Although most of the sufferers refuse to visit eating disorder treatment centers initially for the fear of facing embarrassing situations, yet it is the only fruitful way of eating disorder treatment.

An eating disorder treatment center not only enables one to grow a proper and healthy diet habit, but finds out the origin of the problem and eradicates it. There can be different forms of eating disorder and the methods of treatment vary accordingly.

One of the common forms of eating disorder is compulsive overeating or the habit of binge eating. The sufferers of this form indulge into overeating to divert their pain, anger, sorrow or other feelings.

The tendency of overeating is also referred as bulimia, which is another form of eating problem. Sufferers with this form suffer from the symptoms of vomiting, fasting, nonstop exercising and even tendency to use weight loss products. Anorexia is another kind of eating disorder that keeps one in constant fear of gaining weight and as a result the sufferers eat too little.

Eating disorder treatment centers provide treatment to all sorts of disorders through different processes like social therapies, acupuncture, art expression; spiritual exploration etc. They offer all this treatment under the guidance of exerts, for which they ensure recovery from the disease.

About the Author

Jarrod is a medical practitioner and has been associated with the same profession for over 15 years. He mainly deals with different kinds of eating disorder and alcohol treatment program. For his ardent passion for writing he often writes on different aspects of addictions.

Casa Palmera: Quality Eating Disorder Treatment Center Accredited By The Joint Commission

2010-02-14T21:59:00.000+02:00

Eating disorders are not one size fits all - in fact, that's why the top notch eating disorder treatment center, Casa Palmera, uses a holistic approach. In dealing with eating disorders it is imperative that the core root of the problem be discovered in order to cure the disorder as a whole. The fact is that although many people may present with the same or similar symptoms, the causes for their eating disorders are all slightly different. The Casa Palmera Eating Disorder Treatment Center recognizes this difference and therefore, each individual client is treated as an individual or unique case.

What it comes down to is this; we each have our own lives and our own issues and problems. Some of us learn to deal with and adjust at an early age and some of us are either not equipped or simply have so much to deal with that getting along in what is considered a 'normal' and healthy manner is extremely difficult. This can result from traumatic experiences and other stressful situations. Therefore, the trauma or stress can lead to other problems. These sometimes take the form of eating disorders.

In many cases an eating disorder is an attempt to gain some control over a part of one's life. It may begin with a goal of losing weight, but as one learns that this is an area that he or she can control, a feeling of accomplishment can set in. The matter can escalate until it is out of control and there are no options left except that of seeking help. An Anorexia Treatment Center will specialize in treatment for individuals that struggle with the fear of weight gain. They may starve themselves or exercise relentlessly. The Anorexia Treatment Center will help these individuals understand their illness and help them conquer the core cause of the problems.

Bulimia Treatment Centers work in a very similar fashion. Individuals that suffer with bulimia are known for the 'binge and purge' actions. In general, these patients will eat to a point of fullness and then purge the food from their system, either by self-induced vomiting or through the use of diuretics and laxatives. Bulimia treatment includes help for the medical concerns as well as for any psychological issues that need to be addressed. Casa Palmera has professional staff available to help with both types of eating disorders and because they use a holistic approach one can be assured that all needs will be addressed.

Samantha Withers used to suffer with an eating disorder. She eventually sought treatment at Casa Palmera's Anorexia Treatment Center. While there Ms. Withers learned how to eat in a healthy manner but she contends that it was the help with her deeper issues that has saved her life. Casa Palmera seems to understand all eating disorders. In fact, Withers recently suggested that a friend seek the bulimia treatment needed at the same center. For more contact: Casa Palmera, info@casapalmera.com, 888.481.4481.

About the Author

Casa Palmera has syndicated this article.

Eating Disorder Treatment Center and Sober Living Are the Keys in Treating Eating Disorder

2010-02-14T21:57:00.000+02:00

Do you like to take food when you get angry or sad or excited on something? Or on the contrary, you may be scared of having foods as you see it as a mean to gain weight. Whatever may be your case, you are at the risk of getting affected by a disease called eating disorder. It is actually synonymous to any extreme form of food habit like overeating or starvation.

You are recommended to seek treatment under the guidance of doctors and experts to recover from this disorder. To start with, consult with your family physician or search in the internet to choose an eating disorder treatment center. This is the only productive way available to annihilate your unhealthy relationship with food.

Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions about eating disorder treatment centers! Some people think that the method that these treatment centers adopt to bring perfection to the diet of the patients is nothing but forcing them to eat or starve. Another popular notion about eating disorder treatment is that the patients are restricted from keeping contacts with their family, friends or any outsiders during treatment. But all these concepts are far from the reality. On the contrary, these centers can offer treatments for all sorts of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating. Proper infrastructure, appropriate guidance, special care for each patient and initiation to sober living are some among the numerous advantages that most of these centers provide.

One more thing that you can do, you can avail sober living programs from any suitable center to grow your will power, so that after the completion of your eating disorder treatment you will be able to protect yourself from any further unhealthy food habits. Sober living plans inspire you to discover newer fields of interests and enrich you as a person.

So, if you are planning to seek eating disorder treatment, be connected with an eating disorder treatment center and opt for sober living.

About the Author

eating disorder treatment and eating disorder treatment center. For his ardent passion for writing he often writes on different aspects of addictions.

5 Factors to Consider Before Treating an Eating Disorder

2010-02-14T21:52:00.000+02:00

Eating disorders have become serious nowadays. Women or girls are not only the ones who are victims of eating disorders. Statistics have shown that also men or boys have problems with this and are seeking answers or treatments that can help them.

What are the things people should look for when searching for the right program for their treatments? A lot of programs are offered that can cure eating disorders but one should always focus on what diet will fit your lifestyle and your body as well.

Programs that include emotional and physical support are things that should be considered. This is because one factor of developing eating disorders in the first place is emotional issues that have not been dealt with.
As you read on, you will discover what things to consider when looking for or joining eating disorder treatment programs. Make sure you follow them to maximize the benefits you can get from treatment programs.

1. Long term programs are best rather that short term programs. Changing the eating lifestyle of a person cannot be easily achieved in just a snap. It takes a gradual process that will take months or years to recover. Programs that prescribe drinking anti-depressant pills or programs that will force someone to eat are not good programs at all. These do not try to fix what caused the eating disorder in the first place. Programs with peer group discussions are always helpful.

2. Good programs include the understanding of hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiencies. Sometimes these are the factors why a person develops eating disorders. One must understand his or her body's needs and requisites in order to recover. Through this, the person can correct whatever it is that caused the disorder.
3. Doctors, counselors and dieticians should be part of the treatment program you are joining. Through this, they will be able to diagnose and advise you expertly on what measures you should take or do in order to heal from the eating disorder. Also, this will ensure that the program is safe and definitely effective.

4. Look for programs that fit and meet your needs. Choose a program that will be flexible or that is capable of adjusting to your needs and wants. Choose programs that will guarantee good and permanent results. Always remember to consider not just physical treatments but also emotional, spiritual and social aspects as well.

5. And last but not the least - make sure that the program you are choosing is certified as safe and professional. Search for those who acquire either an IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Providers) or CEDS (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist) certificate.

About the Author

Paula Owen has been passionate about writing articles for the last 5 years. Check out her latest website Ladybug Baby Bedding which reviews and lists the latest Shabby Chic-Bedding so you can decide which shabby chic bedding best suits your baby's bedding needs.

How to Find Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorder

2010-01-21T02:02:00.000+02:00

Many people with eating disorders can be effectively treated in outpatient care. However knowing how to access outpatient care can be a major challenge for individuals and families, at the same time as trying to cope with the physical and psychological stresses of the eating disorder.

Most commonly, the GP is the first professional you see if you are seeking treatment for an eating disorder. There are 1.6 million people in the UK who have an eating disorder, which means an average GP will have at least two or three patients in need of treatment.

Your GP will ask you about your feelings towards food, whether you feel food dominates your life, about recent weight loss and whether you feel you are fat while others think you are thin. The GP's role is not to diagnose an eating disorder, but to decide whether you are at risk of having an eating disorder. If you are deemed to be at risk, you should be referred to a specialist in eating disorders to make a full assessment.
This eating disorders specialist will carry out a much more thorough assessment of your medical, psychological and social needs, including any risks you face.

If it is judged to be safe and appropriate, you will be offered outpatient treatment. The major advantage of outpatient treatment is it enables you to stay at home, maintain your links with school, college or work and is less disruptive for relationships with friends and family. However, a psychiatrist may judge that more intense, inpatient treatment is the best and most safe option for you.

Before you embark on treatment, NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) states that you should be given information about your eating disorder and types of treatment.

Outpatient treatment takes at least six months and should be delivered by a service which specialises in eating disorders. The service may be part of a larger hospital, or a stand alone eating disorders unit, but it is very important that treatment is provided by specialists. Your treatment is based on a partnership between you, your consultant and therapists who work with you.

There are a variety of therapeutic approaches which are effective in outpatient care for eating disorders. A form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy adapted for eating disorders, known as CBT-E is recognised as being particularly effective for people with bulimia. Family therapy is recognised by NICE for its role in the treatment of young people with eating disorders; bringing the combined resources of parents, siblings and other significant people to help the young person with the eating disorder. Individual psychotherapy sessions are also used and for anorexia, are likely to take considerably longer than six months.

You may also receive support from a dietitian specialising in eating disorders, to help you change what you eat and better understand your nutritional needs in order to be healthy. Specialist dietitians provide very valuable support, but treatment must be based on affecting psychological change, rather than food intake alone.

Usually, your GP will co-ordinate care and maintain overall responsibility. If this responsibility is transferred to a psychiatrist, this should be clearly stated in writing.

In conclusion, if you are seeking outpatient care for eating disorders, see your GP in the first place. This may be difficult - you may not have discussed your eating disorder and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Your GP will assess whether you are at risk of an eating disorder and refer you for a specialist assessment if you are judged to be at risk. It is very important that the full assessment is made by a specialist in eating disorders and treatment is offered in a dedicated eating disorders unit.

It is also vital that you seek treatment as early as possible. Evidence shows that treatment is more effective if it commences at an early stage, rather than later when the eating disorder has become more entrenched and resistant to change.

About the Author

Jenny Hudson is an experienced health journalist, whose articles are regularly published in national newspapers and magazines. For more information about outpatient treatment for eating disorders, visit Newbridge House.

Eating Disorders Help

2010-01-02T16:27:00.002+02:00

It may not be too obvious at first, but your child may be suffering from an eating disorder. Children's eating disorders might include obesity or anorexia without you even knowing it. Younger children sometimes might not even be aware of their behaviors, so you have to be on the look out for them.

To understand if your child might have a disorder, take a closer look at what your child eats during an entire week. Notice the behaviors too. Does your child pile on the plate and then eat everything and ask for seconds? Does your child ask for very little and then only nibbles? Does the child go straight for the bathroom after each meal? All of these signs could be an indication of an eating disorder.

Above all, talk with your child about eating disorders. Your child may have a completely logical explanation. Maybe the child ate a big lunch at school or dislikes the food placed on the table. Things like this are easily remedied. If you talk to your child first, you might help straighten out actions your child might not be aware are happening.

If you fear your child may be suffering from an eating disorder like obesity, bring your child to your doctor. Talk to the doctor about your fears. The doctor can help you put your child on a plan to help insure your child eats right and gets enough exercise every day. It might mean a little more effort on your part by eating the right foods and getting enough exercise too to set an example.

Eating Disorders Help
www.alternativehealthwellness.com

About the Author

It may not be too obvious at first, but your child may be suffering from an eating disorder.

Binge Eating: Practicing Control for Weight Loss

2010-01-02T16:26:00.000+02:00

There are a number of very dangerous eating disorders that effect people of all ages, races, sexes, and economic statuses. While you may hear a lot in the news about anorexia and bulimia, one of the lesser-known weight loss disasters sweeping the nation is binge eating. Binge eating is very bad for your body and can cause heart disease, diabetes, and a number of other medical conditions, which actually could result in death. Therefore, it is important to learn about binge eating and to seek help immediately if you think this could be a problem for you.

Binge eating is basically a form of overeating at its worst. There are times when we all overindulge in good foods, such as at a holiday or when eating out at a restaurant. However, a binge eater faces overeating problems more than a few times a week. Binge eaters often find themselves overweight and unhappy, which can make the situation worse.

Binge eaters will overeat to the extent that they feel sick. In many cases, they will eat thousands of calories in one sitting, and many of the foods they are eating are not very nutritional and include comfort foods. Binge eaters may enjoy sweet or savory foods, and may also have a problem with alcohol. In one day, a binge eater may eat more than the normal person will eat in a week. Foods that a person will binge eat vary and can even change for a particular binge eater from day to day.

Unlike people who are suffering from bulimia, binge eaters will not induce vomiting in order to rid themselves of the food they've eaten. Therefore, binge eaters tend to be overweight. In some cases, a binge eater may eat non-stop for an entire day, but then spend the next three or four days starving him- or herself and exercising vigorously in order to stay at the same weight if possible.

Binge eating goes hand in hand with a number of other physical diseases, but it can also affect a personal mentally and emotionally. Man binge eaters star because they turn to food for comfort as a way to work out their problems, which is unhealthy. Binge eaters are also usually very emotionally charged about their body weight and may experience depression because of it, regardless of if they are overweight or not. Binge eating is not only dangerous for the binge eater, but can affect everyone in his or her life. If you or someone you know is suffering from this disease, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. This is not a good way to lose weight.

About the Author

Noel Ireland is a product reviewer. Learn the SECRETS OF PERMANENT FAT LOSS & FITNESS by visiting:http://fatburningandexercise.weebly.com.

Genetically transmit disorders

2010-01-02T16:21:00.002+02:00

Researchers report that when an identical twin develops nervous anorexia, the chances of her identical sister also getting it are around 56%.The percentage of genetic contribution to the other eating disorders is even less clear.Because there is evidence that identical twins are at a higher risk than normal, it would be wise to be alert to your own feelings about your body or tendencies to diet and to get help for yourself even if you do not have an eating disorder now.Talking about your feelings toward your twin and getting help on how to protect yourself from getting an eating disorder are important.Eating disorders seem to run in families at a higher rate than in the general population, and first-degree relatives (mothers, sisters, daughters) of someone with an disorder have a greater chance of developing an eating disorder than other relatives.However, this by no means implies that if you have an eating disorder your daughter or any other relative will develop one; in fact, approximately 90% to 95% of the time they don't.

Parents do not genetically transmit disorders to their kids.However, because she is statistically at a higher risk, it is important to be alert for any signs in your daughter and try to foster an environment that is an antidote to eating disturbs. You should work actively to prevent an excessive focus on weight and appearance and encourage activities that are nonappearance focused.The best thing you can do for her is to be a good role model and take care of your own body. Dieting is a learned behavior.Healthy eating, exercise, and appearance-related behaviors and attitudes are important to model.Certainly the advice here applies to all parents, but because of the recent genetic findings, researchers emphasize this particularly for parents who have had or currently have these kind of disorders.

About the Author

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Modern Society and the Reality of Anorexia

2010-01-02T02:29:00.001+02:00

Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a pronounced fear of gaining weight and being fat. People confronted with this condition become obsessed with food and engage in exaggerated acts of preventing weight gain. It is very important to understand that anorexia doesn't involve loss of appetite. Anorexics willingly refuse to eat properly, continuously pursuing their goal of having a slim body. People who suffer from anorexia keep very strict diets and often over-exercise in an attempt to become thin.

The main problem of anorexics is that they are never satisfied with their efforts and regardless of how much weight they may lose, they continue to indulge in self-restrictive food behaviors. In many cases, people affected by anorexia develop an altered perception of their bodies. They always complain about their physical appearance, referring to themselves as fat. People who suffer from anorexia often try to suppress their hunger by taking diet pills or they even try to replace food with energy drinks. Due to their very scarce diet and the poor intake of nutrients, anorexics often develop serious illnesses. Many people with anorexia eventually develop anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, or osteoporosis (deterioration of bones).

Anorexia has a very high incidence among teenagers worldwide. Statistics indicate that in the United States alone, anorexia affects more than 10 million people. Although anorexia can occur in both sexes, the disorder is very common in the female gender. Research results indicate that more than 90 percent of people diagnosed with anorexia are women. Anorexia is mostly common in teenagers and young adults, rarely affecting people at more advanced stages of life.

The actual causes of anorexia haven't yet been clarified. The disorder seems to occur on the background of inherited genetic abnormalities, and the main triggers for anorexia are suspected to be various environmental factors Anorexia is more prevalent in well-developed societies, which suggests a pronounced environmental feature of the disorder. However, this type of eating disorder has been identified in virtually any ethnical group and culture, hence contradicting existing environmental theories.

Anorexia affects people on multiple levels and there are various signs that can point to this type of disorder. Physical signs of anorexia are: pronounced weight loss, body weakness, fatigue and anemia. Recidivating menstrual problems are clear indicators of anorexia in the female gender. From a behavioral perspective, the signs of anorexia are: strict dieting, refusal to eat in the company of others, excessive exercise, abusive use of diet pills and diuretics, refusal of social interactions. The emotional aspect of anorexia can involve depression, low self-esteem, inaccurate perception of body image and sudden changes in mood.

In time, people affected by anorexia become the victims of their own actions. Although they may not realize it, anorexics actually engage themselves in self-destructive behaviors. It is very important to pay attention to any signs that may suggest the presence of anorexia in your friends or family members. Anorexia can be treated and people can recover completely from the disorder if they receive appropriate encouragement and support.

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