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Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a type of condition that often affects young people. However, adults can have them too. Eating disorders have become more common due to unrealistic expectations of what a person’s body should look like. People with eating disorders often feel embarrassed about the way they look.

Eating disorders for young adults include anorexia and bulimia. These disorders occur in both young women and young men. They are most common in females. They are a big problem regardless of whether someone is male or female. Eating disorders are treatable with therapy or through support in treatment centers.

Without help, eating disorders can make someone sick enough to go to the hospital. In some cases, they can be deadly. Other bad things include weak bones, damaged teeth, and hair loss. These people also experience more depression and suicide. If someone has symptoms of anorexia or bulimia, it is very important for them to see a doctor or therapist as soon as possible. Many people with these disorders recover and live happy and healthy lives.

Anorexia Nervosa

People with anorexia have bad thoughts about their body. They often believe they are fat and will eat so little that they become very thin and sick. People with anorexia are extremely afraid of gaining weight or looking fat. They may abuse diet pills to lose weight and to avoid feeling hungry. They also often feel shame about their disorder. They may dress in ways that allow them to hide their weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

People with this disorder make themselves throw-up to lose weight or to avoid gaining weight. They may also take medicine called laxatives to lose weight. They also binge eat. This means that they eat large amounts of food in one sitting. This is far more than a person would normally eat. After binge eating, they purge, by throwing up or taking medicine to go to the bathroom. Purging usually makes people with this disorder sick. They may also have problems with their teeth being weak from throwing up.