Learn about eating disorders and discover how to avoid them
Eating disorders include the presence of negative and self-critical thoughts and feelings about body weight and food.
Many children, especially adolescents, are concerned about their physical appearance and some feel self-conscious about their body. This is particularly true during puberty, when they experience important bodily changes and face new social pressures. Unfortunately, in a proportion of children and adolescents that is increasing. This worry can become an obsession which, in turn, can lead to an eating disorder. Appetite disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, cause exaggerated fluctuations in weight, interfere with daily life and can have a permanent negative impact on health. Parents can help their children not develop these types of disorders by promoting the development of self-esteem and healthy attitudes in relation to food and physical appearance. If you are concerned that your child may be developing an eating disorder, it is important that you intervene and seek appropriate medical attention. About eating disorders In general, eating disorders include the presence of negative thoughts and feelings and self-criticism about body weight and food and eating habits that interfere with the normal functioning of the body and daily activities. Although eating disorders are more common in girls, they can also affect boys. In the US, they are so common that 1 or 2 in every 100 children suffer from a disorder of this type, usually anorexia or bulimia. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents manage to hide eating disorders from themselves. us families for months or even years. People with anorexia have an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of the volume and shape of their bodies. Consequently, they strive to maintain a very low weight. Some reduce food intake through diets, fasting and/or excessive physical exercise. They try to eat as little as possible and ingest as few calories as possible and are often obsessed with what they eat. Bulimia is characterized by habitual binge eating followed by food elimination maneuvers. Some people who suffer from bulimia may experience significant fluctuations in weight. But they rarely weigh as little as those who suffer from anorexia. Both disorders can be associated with compulsive physical exercise or other measures to eliminate ingested food, such as induced (or self-induced) vomiting and the use of laxatives. Although anorexia and bulimia look very similar, people who suffer from anorexia are usually very thin and underweight. While those who suffer from bulimia may have a normal weight or even overweight. Binge eating disorder, food phobia, and body image disorders are also becoming increasingly common in the adolescent population. It is important to remember that an eating disorder is very easy to get out of hand. Since it is associated with habits that are very difficult to eradicate. Eating disorders are serious clinical problems that require professional treatment from doctors, therapists and nutritionists. Health Consequences of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s physical and emotional health. Eating disorders ios are not just a “fad” or a “phase”. People don’t “catch” an eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex and devastating conditions that can have consequences on health, productivity and relationships. People suffering from an eating disorder need professional help. Early treatment increases the chances of physical and emotional recovery. Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa In the self-starvation cycle of anorexia nervosa, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs for proper functioning. Therefore, the body is forced to slow down all its processes to conserve energy. Resulting in very serious medical consequences, such as the following: Abnormal decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, indicating that the heart muscle is weakened. The risk of heart failure increases as blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Reduction in bone density (osteoporosis) resulting in weak, brittle bones. Muscle loss and muscle weakness. Severe dehydration that can result in kidney failure. Feeling of faintness, fatigue and general weakness. Dry hair and skin. Hair loss is common. Growth throughout the body, including the face. It is a thin layer of hair known as lanugo in an effort to conserve body heat. Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa The recurring binge-eating and purging cycles of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and lead to a chemical and electrolyte imbalance in the body that can affect the functions of the heart and other major organs. Some of the medical consequences of bulimia include: Electrolyte imbalance that can can lead to irregular heartbeats and possible heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium, sodium and chlorine by the body as a result of purging. Potential gastric rupture during periods of binge eating. Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus due to frequent vomiting. Tooth decay and destruction of teeth due to contact with stomach acids during frequent vomiting. Irregular bowel movements and chronic constipation as a result of laxative abuse. Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis. Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder usually results in many of the medical complications associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential medical consequences of binge eating disorder include: High blood pressure. High cholesterol levels. Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels. Diabetes mellitus type II. Gallbladder diseases.
