Eating disorders

A range of eating disorders may result from consuming too much or too little food. We require a variety of different foods to supply us with the mix of vitamin and minerals that we need to stay healthy. Eating disorders may arise due to various reasons. These may include stress, boredom, anxiety or sadness. Sometimes people suffer serious weight loss in order to improve their image or self esteem. According to the Eating Disorder Association (EDA), such problems with food consumption may affect anyone but young women between the ages of 15 to 25 tend to experience these issues the most, although people of all ages and backgrounds may be affected. People may use food to cope with emotions and feelings that occur in their lives.

Two of the more common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Another condition, known as Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is possibly less well documented but still affects many people. Overeating can lead to obesity and I accompanied by various health risks such as diabetes and heart disease. Consuming less food and consequently less energy can lead to distorted views on food and the effects can be disastrous to health.

Anorexia Nervosa literally means 'loss of appetite for nervous reasons'. Chemical changes in the body following lack of consumption of vital foods and nutrients affect the brain and distort the perception of food. As the illness develops, people tend to suffer from the effects of starvation. Exhaustion is the most common problem. It can also be fatal, if left untreated. Effects include weight loss, constipation, poor circulation and possible osteoporosis. Children may experience growth problems.

Bulimia Nervosa involves binge eating a large quantity of food and then removing this food as quickly as possible through vomiting and sometimes laxatives, by reducing food intake or starvation or excessive exercise to try and burn off the calories that have been consumed. The effects include having a sore throat, tooth decay and bad breath caused by excessive vomiting. Poor skin condition, irregular periods and lethargy or fatigue are also symptoms of this illness. Such conditions should not be considered as weight loss alternatives as the body essentially suffers from a lack of energy and nutrients which can lead to health degradation.