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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