In our society, beauty is often measured by how thin you are. This creates a pressure to be thin that is both unnatural and unrealistic for most of us. It has also increased the awareness of eating disorders.
Eating disorders is a term used to describe four different types of disorders:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Compulsive Eating Disorder
Eating disorders can be very harmful to your health and in some cases can even be fatal. It’s important to understand the difference between these disorders and to understand some of the myths and realities of eating disorders.
One of the hardest things to do is admit that you have an eating disorder. Most people with an eating disorder convince themselves that they can stop their behaviour on their own. This problem is too big to solve on your own. You need the help of qualified professionals.
If you think you have an eating disorder, there are services and programs available to help you. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medical treatment and nutrition counselling. Sometime it’s necessary to be hospitalized for a portion of the treatment process.
Recovery is possible, but it can be a difficult process and it takes time. The first step is accepting that you have a problem and then asking for help. Remember that everyone’s recovery is different. Don’t be afraid to let people know how you feel and what you need. To get information about resources in your own community call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 and talk to one of our counsellors.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by significant weight loss caused by excessive dieting. Anorexics see themselves as “fat” no matter what their actual weight is. People who have Anorexia Nervosa tend to be perfectionists and they often set very high standards for themselves. Controlling their weight helps them feel in control of their world.
Bulimia Nervosa
People who have Bulimia Nervosa are in a cycle of binge eating followed by purging to rid their body of the unwanted calories. Bulimics eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and then force themselves to vomit, use laxatives or exercise excessively to get rid of the food. Often, people with Bulimia Nervosa have low self-esteem and seek the approval of others.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by episodes of binge eating but unlike bulimics, binge eaters don’t vomit or use laxatives to rid themselves of the calories. People usually feel out of control during a binge episode, followed by feelings of guilt and shame.
Compulsive Overeating
Uncontrollable eating and the resulting weight gain are key characteristics of compulsive overeating. Most people who are compulsive overeaters recognize that they have a problem and they tend to use food to cope with stress and/or emotional problems.
Myths and realities
Myth: Only teenage girls suffer from eating disorders.
Reality: Many eating disorders begin in the teen years, but children, men and women of all ages can develop an eating disorder.
Myth: You can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.
Reality: Some people are just naturally thin and don’t have an eating disorder. Some people who have an eating disorder don’t look as thin as you might expect or as thin as you might have seen in magazines or on television.
Myth: Compulsive eaters and binge eaters are undisciplined and lazy.
Reality: Compulsive eating is as serious a problem as anorexia and bulimia and reflects an individual’s emotional problems.
Last checked: December 2010