BLOG 24 EATING DISORDERS

BLOG 24 EATING DISORDERS

Food is a central component of our lives. We cannot avoid this topic day in and day out. Unlike exercise which we have a choice to take part in, eating is an activity that must take place. It’s a troublesome topic for most of us and challenging to undertake the healthy route all the time while on our fitness journeys. However, there are some serious cases in which food has taken on a whole new meaning, and those who suffer from eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating, present my topic for this week.

Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a person having extremely low body weight and an on-going fear of gaining weight. People with this disease control their caloric intake with extreme discipline and have taken on a very distorted body image. In my research, people who suffer from anorexia are perfectionists, in which, “Anorexia isn't really about food. It's an unhealthy way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia, you often equate thinness with self-worth” (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/basics/definition/con-20033002). Some of the physical symptoms include: “Extreme weight loss, thin appearance, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness or fainting, bluish discoloration of the fingers, hair that thin, breaks or fall out, soft, downy hair covering the body, absence of menstruation, constipation, dry or yellowish skin, intolerance of cold, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, dehydration, osteoporosis, swelling of arms and legs” (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/basics/symptoms/con-). One becomes socially withdrawn in order to keep their obsessions and restrictions in line and they many tend to over exercise, suffer from depression, and lie to make others think everything is seemingly normal.

Bulimia is characterized by the binge and purge cycle, in which one makes themselves vomit. Some of the warning signs of this disease are, “Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or finding wrappers and containers indicating the consumption of large amounts of food. Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics” (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/bulimia-nervosa ). Body image is again at the heart of this eating disorder and one’s life becomes consumed by their constant planning which involves whatever gets put in their mouth must quickly resurface before any caloric damage is done. Side effects include “Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death.  Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as a result of purging behaviors. Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting. Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting” ((https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/bulimia-nervosa ).

Binge eating is a different from the other two disorders in that one has lost control of how much they eat. There is no restriction, rather, “You feel like you can't stop, even if you're already uncomfortably full. You may eat a lot, quickly, even if you're not hungry. You feel ashamed about it” (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/binge-eating-disorder-medref). Most people who binge have trouble controlling their emotions and turn to food for comfort. This disease is common among obese people and of course leads to obesity. Some of the side effects include, “You can get other health problems related to gaining weight or unhealthy eating, too, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. You also may have trouble sleeping, muscle and joint pain, and digestive problems. Women may have irregular or infrequent menstrual periods” (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/binge-eating-disorder-medref?page=2). Food becomes an obsession and an addiction. It’s an expensive habit.

Research debates the causes of eating disorders and whether genetics do play a role. All three are deeply impacted by one’s emotional well-being, especially their sense of body image and self-worth. The most interesting statistics I found were that, “Almost 50% of people with eating disorders meet the criteria for depression. Only 1 in 10 men and women with eating disorders receive treatment. Only 35% of people that receive treatment for eating disorders get treatment at a specialized facility for eating disorders. Up to 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder) in the U.S. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness” (http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/). The pressure to be thin, look a certain way, wear a size small, and to look like the air-brushed models on magazines is overwhelming. Being in the fitness industry, I feel this pressure too and that is why I have to constantly remind myself that I have a adopted a lifestyle, one in which I’m not deprived, don’t spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery, and find enjoyment in being active. Seeking treatment is important if eating has spiraled out of control and someone is showing any signs of the above mentioned disorders.

Food is supposed to be our fuel, but it has become so much more socially, emotionally, and psychologically. Our definition of hunger is different for each of us. We must remember to find strength in our healthy eating choices and balance in our nutritional lives. This is a journey and way of life. Look in mirror, like what you see, and always know there is room for improvement…. one rep a time, the right way, the healthy way, and the smart way.