Essay, Research Paper: Anorexia / Bulimia

I have chosen the topic of eating disorders amoungst adolescents for
my reaserch project. By Meriam Webster Medical Dictionary definition, the
term eating disorder is defined by the following;
Eating Disorders: Psychological disorders (anorexia nervosa,
bulimia) charachterized by gross disturbances of eating
behavior.
Anorexia Nervosa:
Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder which is charachterized by
self-starvation. Contrary to popular belief anorexics do eat every day even
involving “forbidden foods” such as ice cream, candy, desserts. Generally
only they only eat small amounts of food or severly restrict themselves to
the foods which are “safe” to eat. A typical daily caloric intake of 600-800
calories or less is seen. Excercise is important to lose weight too. Most
anorexics dont see how thin they are becoming. Their distorted body
image sees them as gaining weight. Death can occur due to kidney or
heart failure from malnutrition.

Bulimia
People with bulimia are involved in a binge-purge cycle of
trying to control their weight and food intake. Bulimia is chaachterized by
eating large amounts of food in a short period of timer, often foods which
are “forbidden” or “bad”. Guilt soon follows which results in an attempt to
purge the food and calories from the body. Not all bulimics will vomit.
Some will use laxitives or excessive excercising. As with anorexia,
depression and withdrawl occur and bulimia can result in deat if untreated.
Compulsive Overeating
Many people eat in response to emotional, not physical
hunger. Compusive overeaters often feel a void in their lives. This void
leaves them to feel empty and in turn they will eat to fill the emptyiness and
choose comfort foods to fill the hunger. Compulsive overaters can be at
risk for developing bulimia, having low self-esteem, and gaining additional
weight can decrease self=esteem even more.
One study showed that obesity in eleven year old girls has doubled
since 1960 with an increase among adolescents. This obsession with
slimness is causing girs as young as 9 years old to go on diets.


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