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Women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia because they tend to go on strict diets to achieve their "ideal" weight. The reported incidences of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and restrictive eating habits is rising in the United States and worldwide, the number of American women affected by eating disorders has doubled over the past two decades to at least five million women.
With the secretive habits of those who suffer from eating disorders, it is often difficult to recognize the problem. In the case of anorexia nervosa, signs such as extreme weight loss and amenorrhea are more visible. Signs of eating disorders are often signs of other emotional and mental problems and should be evaluated by a health care professional.
The most severe and noticeable consequences of anorexia nervosa parallel those of starvation. The body reacts in a defensive manner to the lack of nourishment by decreasing metabolism and diminishing thyroid function, both contribute to brittle hair and nails, dry skin, lowered pulse rate, cold intolerance, constipation and intermittent diarrhea. In addition, mild anemia, reduced muscle mass, amenorrhea and swelling of joints may accompany this disease.
Beyond the immediate effects of this disease, there are long term consequences as well that will affect the life of the individual, regardless of treatment. A serious medical consequence is irregular heart rhythms and ultimately heart failure. There is also increased risk of osteoporosis due to the calcium deficiency inherent in a restricted diet.
Bulimia nervosa can and often develops independently of anorexia nervosa, although half of all anorexics develop bulimia. Many of the same symptoms that occur in anorexia nervosa appear in those suffering from bulimia nervosa. Those suffering from bulimia follow a routine of episodic binge eating followed by repeated behaviors to rid the body of calories consumed.
Medical complications for this disease result from electrolyte imbalance and secondary trauma of purging behaviors. Loss of potassium due to vomiting, damaged heart muscle, increased risk of cardiac arrest. Repeated purging causes inflammation of the esophagus and dental and enamel erosion.
Recognizing eating disorders cannot fall solely on the family. Health care providers, teachers, coaches and advisers should also be aware of signs and symptoms.
Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital offers a variety of eating disorder treatments including individual, group, marital and family psychotherapy; nutrition counseling; and medical management. Laureate has gained a strong, nationally recognized reputation for its compassionate and effective eating disorders treatment program. From the start, the staff's goal has been to create an eating disorder program they would feel comfortable with their own family members attending. We think you will agree this goal has become a reality. Learn more about the Eating Disorders Program at Laureate.
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