By: Aubree Vance :) Health P. 3

About Eating Disorders-  Eating disorders refer to a group of conditions defined by abnormal eating habits that may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of an individual's physical and mental health.  Bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the most common specific forms in the United States.  About 5-10 million U.S. Females are being affected with this.  And about 1 million U.S. Males.

The Cause? The cause of eating disorders is not entirely understood, but there is evidence that it may be linked to other medical conditions and situations. One study showed that girls with ADHD have a greater chance of getting an eating disorder than those not affected by ADHD. One study showed that foster girls are more likely to develop bulimia nervosa. Some also think that peer pressure and idealized body-types seen in the media are also a significant factor. However, research shows that for some people there is a genetic reason why they may be prone to developing an eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa.  More commonly know as just, Anorexia.  It’s an eating disorder characterized by refusing to maintain a healthy body weight  It turns into a fear of gaining weight.  Often people look in the mirror and see themselves heavier than they are.  The individual feels hunger but denies it. They eat small quantities of food or none at all.  The average caloric intake of a person with anorexia nervosa is 600–800 calories per day

Examples of Anorexia:

Anorexia problems:

Bulimia Nervosa.  Commonly known as, Bulimia.  Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating, or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time, followed by attempting to rid the calories consumed, usually by vomiting and/or by laxative, diuretics or excessive exercise.  Bulimia is nine times more likely to occur in women than men.  During Bulimia depression most likely occurs.

Bulimia problems:

My sister has been through Bulimia. She was in about th grade. She never really told me much but she kept about 3 journals. Each of them made me cry through every page. She would draw pictures saying she’s not worth anyone’s time. During this time she had been depressed. I had no clue about this until a year later when she had to go to counseling and take depression pills. She had also gotten into cutting. Most people call it, “Emo.” I saw the scars on her hands and legs but I never really knew why they were there. So about 3 weeks after that I tried it because my parents wouldn’t stop fighting. They were going to divorce. I didn’t really know what I was doing but then, but it started to feel right. I also started to become Anoretic. I did that for about a month, then my family found out about everything. They saw the scars and noticed I didn’t fit in as many of my clothes. I got sent to my cousin’s for about 2 weeks to get over this ‘phase’. After the two weeks were over I realized how dangerous it was. My sister helps me still when I feel that cutting is needed. I have gotten over my Anorexia though. I love food way too much.

Binge Eating.  Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting 3.5% of females and 2% of males and is in up to 30% of those seeking weight loss treatment  BED usually leads to obesity although it can occur in normal weight individuals

The Health Triangle.  Mentally? Eating disorders can cause depression, suicide thoughts, and you don ’ t think you ’ re good enough for anyone.  Socially? Your social life will be effected a lot. You won ’ t have as much energy to do anything, rumors will spread because no one really understands, and you start having trust issues.  Physically? Your body weight will either increase or decrease depending on the disorder. It makes you less capable to participate in athletics too, but inside, your muscles weaken, blood pressure can drop, and kidney stones can occur.

Review?  Eating Disorders are DANGEROUS! You do NOT need them. It is a serious issue in the U.S. and it’s only rising higher. You are beautiful, in every single way. Don’t let anyone bring you down. :)

Activity!  MARSHMELLOW EATING CONTEST!