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Anorexia
Anorexia occurs when individuals have a perception that they are fat
whether they are or not, when they have a need to control their surroundings
because everything else in their life is out of control, and a variety
of other conflicts whether they be internal or external. Anorexics control
their surroundings, or what they eat, or do not eat because it allows
them to feel as if they have power over something. Anorexics, and almost
all individuals with an eating disorder, are plagued with low self esteem
issues and the low self esteem plays a huge factor in the initiation
and maintenance of an eating disorder. Additionally, anorexia is a negative
way of dealing with stress, unhappiness, anxiety, and other fears an
individual might have.
Many times anorexics control their eating in order to control their
emotions. As a result, they control the amount of food they eat because
if they didn't they might lose control not only of food consumption,
but their emotions as well. Frequently, anorexics believe they do not
deserve to be happy or deserve to engage in any activity that might
make them happy. Since eating can frequently be a source of pleasure
many anorexics believe they do not deserve this pleasure.
Symptoms of anorexia are calorie and fat gram counting to an excessive
degree, exercising multiple times per day, having a negative self image
regardless of small size, starvation, hiding food, denying hunger, and
many others. If you have these symptoms or know someone that does then
get help or try to help the individual with these symptoms.
Bulimia
Bulimia is another eating disorder, however while anorexia is restricting
food bulimia is binging on food and then purging. Of course, many anorexics
experience bouts of bulimia; however the two eating disorders are very
separate in the way individuals handle their food intake. However, the
cause of both of eating disorders are generally very similar and frequently
result from emotional, physical or sexual abuse although many sufferers
have never experienced abuse.
Typically, individuals suffering from bulimia have low self esteem
and are unable to handle their emotions so they engage in periods of
binging and purging to help them deal with emotions. Frequently, individuals
feel guilty for certain events in their life, or simply because they
have a low perception of themselves, and so they seek punishment in
the form of binging and purging. Bulimics eat a large amount of food
in a very short period of time and then either vomit to eliminate the
food or take laxatives to do so. Many bulimics release their anger,
stress, and frustrations through their binging and purging.
Warning signs of bulimia include individuals who eat a large amount
of food in a short period of time and then feel guilty and vomit or
use laxatives as a result of this guilt, people who misuse diet pills
and laxatives, individuals who are overly concerned with self image
and are always on a diet or exercise program, as well as individuals
who feel they have no control over what they eat might have bulimia.
Bulimics are different from anorexics because they generally have fluctuations
in their weight, store food for a later binge, and the entire cycle
of binging and purging is what makes an individual suffer from bulimia.
Additionally, bulimics may "purge" the day after a binge not by vomiting
or using laxatives but also by excessive exercise, not eating, and other
methods.
Eating Disorders
Bulimia and anorexia are both types of eating disorders that frequently
affect women and occasionally men and are direct results of low self
esteem and self image. Individuals suffering from these eating disorders
need a strong support network and professional help, not individuals
trying to reason or shove food down their throats. Eating disorder sufferers
have emotional and even psychological issues affecting their eating
disorder and as a result professional help is necessary. If you are
suffering from an eating disorder or know someone who is do not feel
ashamed to seek help or to seek help for a friend or family member.
Eating disorders can be deadly if they are not treated, so take eating
disorders like bulimia and anorexia seriously if it is affecting you
or an acquaintance.
Written Exclusively for A Diet Guide - Copyright ADietGuide.com all rights
reserved
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