|
Bulimia is recurrent binge-eating (the rapid, uncontrolled
consumption of large amounts of food) and purging (getting rid of
the food eaten). Purging may occur with self-induced vomiting, laxatives,
fasting, severe diets, or vigorous exercise. People with bulimia
maintain near normal weight and appear to be healthy, yet they often
realize something is wrong.
Bulimic behavior usually begins in adolescence
or early adult life and strikes women in greater numbers than men.
Signs of Bulimia:
- Overconcern with body shape and weight
- Secrecy
- Abuse of Purgatives
- Depression
- Weight changes
- Abnormal interest in food
- Severe dieting and exercise
- Substance Abuse
- Changes in appearance
Anorexia is a self imposed starvation resulting from
a fear of fatness. People with anorexia are preoccupied and dissatisfied
with their body size and some specific feature of their physical appearance.
They constantly believe they (or parts of their body) are fat even
though they are obviously underweight.
Anorexic behavior uaually begins during adolescence.
This disorder strikes women in greater numbers than men.
Signs of Anorexia:
- Distorted body image
- Reduction in eating
- Extensive exercising
- Social shyness and/or isolation
- Poor self esteem
- Excessive weight loss
- Overuse of laxitives/diuretics
- Absence of menstration
- Cavities and gum disease
- Extreme sensitivity to cold
- Growth of body hair
- Denial of problem
- Hair, nail and skin problems
Bulimia and Anorexia, if left untreated, can lead
to many other physical problems and illnesses, even death.
If you or someone you know seems
to suffer from Bulimia or Anorexia, call for help.
|
