Annabelle Colon
Psychology 212
Due Date: May 15th
Topic: Eating Disorders
Many people in the world of normal weight are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their bodies which can lead to having an eating disorder. We live in an image conscious culture, which urges all of us (especially women) to improve our appearance. The messages sent by magazines, television, and other media include if you buy certain clothes and products; straighten and whiten your teeth; and most commonly, lose weight and you will be happy, admired, and loved. Many believe that thinness equals happiness which is false. Eating Disorders are serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe problems within the body. Eating disorders are treatable mental illnesses that can affect people of every age, sex, gender, race, and ethnicity. Obsessions with food, body weight, and shape may signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Anorexia is the third most common chronic disease among young people. Many people assume that men can’t be affect by an eating disorder so usually when men get treated its much later than when females do. Men are at a higher risk of death than females are.
The earlier and eating disorder is detected the chances of recovery increase. Detecting an eating disorder in the beginning is important because it can save the persons life. All eating disorders have different symptoms, but the following are some of the most common among all. Symptoms can include:
· Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting
· Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals
· Weight loss
· Frequent dieting
· Extreme mood swings
· Extreme concern with body size and shape
· Muscle weakness
The difference between anorexia and bulimia is Anorexia nervosa causes people to restrict their calorie intake. Bulimia causes binge eating and purging. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves the relentless pursuit of thinness through starvation. This eating disorder can lead to death. The most common symptoms of anorexia are weight less than 85 percent of what is considered normal for their age, a distorted perception of their body shape, an intense fear of gaining weight, and lack of menstruation for girls who have reached puberty. Anorexia is more common in women than men. A change in personality is a very common side effect of anorexia among teenage girls. In most cases, she becomes less outgoing and less fun to be with. This leads to her distancing herself from her friends, and she may seem to lose interest in everything except food and academics. In addition, the girl may become more organized and obsessive. In many cases, she becomes quieter, goes out less, and hides food at the dinner table so the parents will think she’s eating. Sometimes anorexia can go unnoticed for too long, due to the girl being able to deceive her parents. Because anore...
