Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, from what I’ve learned, researched, and experienced, are psychological disorders and addictions. People who have eating disorders commonly have fears of food and weight gain.
The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive eating disorder. Anorexia is characterized by the intense fear of food and weight gain. One with anorexia will typically restrict their food intake as a way of maintaining or losing weight. One with bulimia typically will engage in anorexia behaviors, but will also binge on food and vomit (or take laxatives) afterwards. Compulsive overeaters are like bulimics, however, they do not purge afterwards. All three disorders can cross; bulimics may starve, anorexics may purge, and compulsive overeaters can do both.
A common myth about eating disorders is that people solely do it for losing weight. However, because an eating disorder is an addiction (much like alcoholism and drug addiction), the problems beneath the actual eating disorder go a lot deeper. The use of an eating disorder is a way of coping, running away from problems, and taking a false sense of conrol.
To recover from an eating disorder, one cannot just “eat.” It’s a powerful addiction, and to recover, one would most likely need outside help from either therapists or some kind of long-term treatment center.
Max said,
November 27, 2007 at 3:43 am
i’m doing an assignment on anorexia and bulimia and have only just realised how dificult it must be for people who suffer from these diseases. my sympathies for you and best of luck on your road to recovery
max
Anonymous said,
August 27, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I am just 15 and coped with anorexia for a year. I understand how hard it is, but don’t give up. I notice in your blog you run yourself down and call yourself “unmotivated” and stuff. You gotta love yourself as you are, that’s all what it comes down to. On my 15th b-day i did not want to even eat birthday cake…and that night, i realized i was being ridiculous. It was never worth it to deprive myself for all those months. (i went from 85 pounds t0 just 70…and i’m 5 foot tall). I realized the key to all things in life is moderation (cake once in a while won’t hurt you, and treating yourself helps you stay positive). Right now i’m 80 lbs, and thanking God every day that all my systems (heart lungs ect.) all miraculously are unharmed. There is even the possibility that i will make up for the growth i lost. Yes, you may feel like gaining weight back is hard. I am gaining 2 lbs eating a normal diet, but know my body will stop when i reach my natural setpoint wieght. You seem to have a lot of faith in GOd, so take care of the body he gave you. Best of luck.
Tracie said,
October 2, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hi iam a recovering Anorexic for 8 yrs now.
With no relapses.( Thank God ).
I have no team of Doctors nor dietition.
Honestly my motivation has been my Husband and daughter.
I tell myself almost daily its all in your head…….
Especially when it is time to eat.
I refuse to throw-up so yes i starved myself,which is way to easy for me to do.
I should also say i have PKU. Which is a disease where i am allergic to all protein.
Thats just the easy way of explaining it.
My advice to all of you suffering don’t give up…….
There is alot to live for.
Take your food i step or bite at a time…….
In my mind if i bite a sandwich i feel i am good for the day………..
I am 39 yrs old and have seen alot of women suffer in the worst way possible……
Don’t give up…..If you need to talk please contact me…….
I have a great ear……
Ya know when i was getting ready to leave the hospital. We were at lunch and i vividley remember a young girl ask me:
Tracie can i ask u a Question I said “of course” she said with tears in her eyes”Will I ever be able to eat the way you do”.
I replied “One day at a time”…………..
Love to you all…….
healthymodelscoalition said,
February 10, 2009 at 4:50 pm
way to fight against eating disorders and spread education!
anonymous said,
July 1, 2009 at 3:44 am
i’m doing an assignment on eating disorders and this has just made me realise how hard it is for those who are suffering from eating disorders. good luck!!!