Eating Disorders Can be Deadly if Untreated and May Lead to Social Phobias

We are living in a society where physical image is of utmost importance. Many people fall victim trying to meet the criteria, especially influential teenagers. When obsession with weight goes far beyond a trip to the gym or healthy eating, serious problems can arise, according to a recent article in The News Tribune.

The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that causes someone to obsess about their weight, making them starve themselves or exercise excessively, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.

People suffering from anorexia usually try to keep a weight that is below normal for their age and height. It affects both sexes, but typically affects females ages 12 to 25.

Bulimia is an eating disorder that causes a person to binge and purge. They will eat a large amount of food and then want to get rid of the extra calories by vomiting.

While there is no definitive cause for an eating disorder, many believe that our society’s influence does play a major role. Teens who suffer from these illnesses are more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders and substance abuse.

Some of the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia are extreme weight loss, fatigue, hair thinning, dry skin, dizziness, refusal to eat, irritability, flat mood or lack of emotion, skipping meals, complaining or worrying about being fat and not wanting to eat in public.

Other signs may be eating large portions of food at one sitting, excessive exercising and use of dietary supplements, laxatives or diuretic medications for weight loss.