"Over the years, researchers have seen a rise in the number of Black women suffering from eating disorders. In one survey study of 6,504 adolescent participants (Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites), the results showed that all the youth reported losing weight at similar rates (32.7%, 31.9%, 36.1%, and 34.9% respectively). Finding exact statistics on the prevalence of eating disorders on Black women are unavailable, due to the existence of the underlying notion that eating disorders are a White woman's disease and/or Black women not wanting to be honest about their eating. Contrary to this, there is evidence that eating disorders among Black women are on the rise. One of the hypotheses for this belief is due to ideals of body images. Similarly to Whites. Black women suffering from eating disorders can be influenced by socioeconomic status, environment, and genetic factors.
Truth be told, I suffered from an eating disorder in high school. It started out with me trying to be healthy, but that soon dwindled. I became involved in gymnastics, cheerleading, and track, and those sports helped me transition into having an eating disorder. I tried to hide it while going to the Black public school, as the study suggested. I figured it was a White girl disease, and I didn't want anyone to know. During lunch I would just say, "I'm not hungry," and hang out in the cafeteria with my friends...drinking juices to keep sugar in my body, and eating peanut butter crackers whenever I felt faint. When I transferred to the White, private school, I soon found out I wasn't the only one with an eating disorder. We all knew about each others eating habits...even the Black girls knew, for we were all doing it together and tracking our weight, happily. We would go on water and juice diets for weeks sometimes, in conjunction to running the cross country trail everyday and spending hours in the gym during the week. That went on for the duration of my high school career. In college, the eating disorder started to become non existent to me due, but early on (freshman year), I found out so many of my peers were suffering from eating disorders (at Spellman...an all Black, female institution of higher learning). This was very surprising to me because I would have never thought that so many Black women were involved in this.
Eating disorders, like suicide and etc., are another quietly kept secret of things we suffer from. Don't be so quick to assume just because someone is of a certain race that they are oblivious to such ailments. Also, don't think just because someone isn't stick thin that they couldn't be suffering from an eating disorder. Women suffering from this look different, yet are suffering from the same thing."
http://conjurethis.blogspot.com
Friday, August 14, 2009
Some Definitions You Should Know Before Continuing....
Definitions
- BED - Binge Eating Disorder
- DSM-IV - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition
- Eating Disorder NOS - Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
- Nervosa - "There is technically no exact term or definition to "nervosa" in the English language. For the context is commonly used in, nervosa generally the nervous system, mind/thoughts/mental capacity or reasoning, or influences the body through the mind. Thus, anorexia and bulimia have "nervosa" at the end of their official names because they are an eating disorder thus is commonly sourced from the mind."
- Symptomatology -(uncountable) The science that studies the symptoms of disease (countable) All the symptoms of a particular disease
Cultural Roles
It used to be thought that Eating Disorders were only found in college-aged white women. It is finally coming to light that this statement is just not true.
By: www.something-fishy.org
By: www.something-fishy.org
Shades of Grey
It was once a widely held belief that the only people who suffered from Eating Disorders were white, middle to upper class, American women. I can tell you, from the hundreds to thousands of e-mail letters I have received from the sufferers themselves, by far, white women are not the only ones suffering.
A great number of researchers are focusing in on why there seems to be an increase in the growing number of Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American sufferers who are coming forward to say that they indeed are afflicted with an Eating Disorder.
"Dangerous Eating" (Essence Magazine, Villarosa) featured an article on the subject of Eating Disorders in Black women, providing a possible insight. "The Black-American culture traditionally accepts more fat on women than the White culture, but when Black middle-class women become integrated into White culture while they are trying to get ahead, they become more at risk of developing Eating Disorders."
As African-American and Hispanic women compete more and more in the professional job market and face the pressures of trying to succeed, they can be faced with discrimination as well as society's portrayal of the successful "smart, beautiful and thin" career woman.
There has been a steady increase in famous African-American and Hispanic figures in the media. While this is a wonderful thing that helps to represent the truly diverse country the United States is, there may also be a "down-side" as well. Young white women and girls faced with thin and beautiful white celebrities aspire to be like them--it would make sense to think that young Black and Hispanic women and girls, when faced with seemingly beautiful and thin celebrities sharing the same culture (such as Janet Jackson or Mariah Carey), might also wish to achieve the same physical goals.
The psychological reasons that women of color develop Eating Disorders are virtually the same. Family problems, parents with negative coping mechanisms like alcohol, history of abuse, and/or relationship issues, plus a need to cope with stress, pain and anger, and a low self-esteem. In addition, Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American women also face issues of discrimination that may contribute to their low self-worth and desire to be loved and accepted.
From the About Face Organization's Website: "The more a person is pressured to emulate the mainstream image, the more the desire to be thin is adopted, and with it an increased risk for the development of body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders."
It is important to take into consideration the awareness that has spread in the last fifteen or so years about Eating Disorders themselves. Whereas issues of culture may not be addressed often enough, there may still be a better overall knowledge of what these disorders are, throughout a more diverse community. Whether teens and college students are getting the education at their school, through clinics and women's centers, through the television or on the internet, all groups of people may be more apt to recognize that they are suffering from an illness and are not alone. Prior to 1980, it was highly unlikely that any information, let-alone accurate information, was reaching anyone other than through doctor's offices typically treating the white, middle-to-upper class community. It is highly possible that up until recently, due to lack of awareness and the stereotype that this was a "white teen or college woman's disease", many women of color were either suffering in silence or didn't recognize how severe their problem could be.
By: www.something-fishy.org
A great number of researchers are focusing in on why there seems to be an increase in the growing number of Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American sufferers who are coming forward to say that they indeed are afflicted with an Eating Disorder.
"Dangerous Eating" (Essence Magazine, Villarosa) featured an article on the subject of Eating Disorders in Black women, providing a possible insight. "The Black-American culture traditionally accepts more fat on women than the White culture, but when Black middle-class women become integrated into White culture while they are trying to get ahead, they become more at risk of developing Eating Disorders."
As African-American and Hispanic women compete more and more in the professional job market and face the pressures of trying to succeed, they can be faced with discrimination as well as society's portrayal of the successful "smart, beautiful and thin" career woman.
There has been a steady increase in famous African-American and Hispanic figures in the media. While this is a wonderful thing that helps to represent the truly diverse country the United States is, there may also be a "down-side" as well. Young white women and girls faced with thin and beautiful white celebrities aspire to be like them--it would make sense to think that young Black and Hispanic women and girls, when faced with seemingly beautiful and thin celebrities sharing the same culture (such as Janet Jackson or Mariah Carey), might also wish to achieve the same physical goals.
The psychological reasons that women of color develop Eating Disorders are virtually the same. Family problems, parents with negative coping mechanisms like alcohol, history of abuse, and/or relationship issues, plus a need to cope with stress, pain and anger, and a low self-esteem. In addition, Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American women also face issues of discrimination that may contribute to their low self-worth and desire to be loved and accepted.
From the About Face Organization's Website: "The more a person is pressured to emulate the mainstream image, the more the desire to be thin is adopted, and with it an increased risk for the development of body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders."
It is important to take into consideration the awareness that has spread in the last fifteen or so years about Eating Disorders themselves. Whereas issues of culture may not be addressed often enough, there may still be a better overall knowledge of what these disorders are, throughout a more diverse community. Whether teens and college students are getting the education at their school, through clinics and women's centers, through the television or on the internet, all groups of people may be more apt to recognize that they are suffering from an illness and are not alone. Prior to 1980, it was highly unlikely that any information, let-alone accurate information, was reaching anyone other than through doctor's offices typically treating the white, middle-to-upper class community. It is highly possible that up until recently, due to lack of awareness and the stereotype that this was a "white teen or college woman's disease", many women of color were either suffering in silence or didn't recognize how severe their problem could be.
By: www.something-fishy.org
It's A Small World
Eating Disorders are one of the most common psychological problems facing young women in Tokyo, Japan. According to a Japan Certified Clinical Psychologist, many who came for counseling often gave their reason for doing so as experiencing problems in having healthy interpersonal relationships such as with family or in social environments such as a college or within the workplace. There is still a great shame attached to seeking counseling in in Japan, and for this many people do not get the help they need or deserve. It also makes it nearly impossible to determine exactly how many victims of Eating Disorders are in Japan.
In Argentina the incidence rate of Anorexia and Bulimia is out of control. The percentage of sufferers (based on population) is almost three times greater than that of the United States. Women across Argentina will resort, at all costs, to look their best and are obsessed with their bodies. According to an article written by Lori Leibovich, "Some blamed the nation's preoccupation with the body on the country's volatile political and economic climate. Others said that the Italian immigrants who settled in Argentina at the turn of the century simply brought with them a flair for fashion and an appreciation of beauty. And some Argentine feminists say that 'machismo' is responsible for the epidemic, encouraging a climate where women are valued for how they look, not who they are." Women that don't fit the harsh Argentine ideal end up in their own world of self-hate.
Eating Disorders are on the rise in China ans experts feel this may have to do with the rise of diet fads throughout that region. Advertising of diet products that flood the market emphasize to the public that life is better when a person is slim, so sufferers faced with problems in their life may turn to dieting as an answer. Not to say that all people who diet will end up struggling with an Eating Disorder, but persons with a low self-esteem who may have been susceptible to workaholism, alcoholism or drug addiction, will now also be more at risk for developing an Eating Disorder.
By: www.something-fishy.org
In Argentina the incidence rate of Anorexia and Bulimia is out of control. The percentage of sufferers (based on population) is almost three times greater than that of the United States. Women across Argentina will resort, at all costs, to look their best and are obsessed with their bodies. According to an article written by Lori Leibovich, "Some blamed the nation's preoccupation with the body on the country's volatile political and economic climate. Others said that the Italian immigrants who settled in Argentina at the turn of the century simply brought with them a flair for fashion and an appreciation of beauty. And some Argentine feminists say that 'machismo' is responsible for the epidemic, encouraging a climate where women are valued for how they look, not who they are." Women that don't fit the harsh Argentine ideal end up in their own world of self-hate.
Eating Disorders are on the rise in China ans experts feel this may have to do with the rise of diet fads throughout that region. Advertising of diet products that flood the market emphasize to the public that life is better when a person is slim, so sufferers faced with problems in their life may turn to dieting as an answer. Not to say that all people who diet will end up struggling with an Eating Disorder, but persons with a low self-esteem who may have been susceptible to workaholism, alcoholism or drug addiction, will now also be more at risk for developing an Eating Disorder.
By: www.something-fishy.org
No Discrimination
Either way, no matter what color, race, cultural background or sexual orientation a sufferer comes from, the Eating Disorders that affect them are devastating. Each person, male or female, is suffering inside from the emotion turmiil that led them to seek comfort from Anorexia, Bulimia or Compulsive Overeating...And like I have said hundreds of time, each of them deserves to find help and recovery so that they may learn to love themselves, inside and out.
By: www.something-fishy.org
By: www.something-fishy.org
The Diagnosis of Eating Disorders and Women of Color
The Myth
A common myth about eating disorders is that eating disorders only effect white, middle-to-upper class females in their teen or college years. Until the 1980's, little information was available about eating disorders and the information that was distributed was often only to the health professionals serving primarily upper class, white, heterosexual families. And the research made available to these professions supported the myth of eating disorders as a "white girl's disease." It wasn't until 1983 and the death of Karen Carpenter that any information let only accurate information about eating disorders began reaching the public. Yet again, Carpenter's race supported the myth of a "white girl's disease." Where her death brought recognition of the disease to the public and allowed many women to name what their suffering was about, it did so only for white girls and women (Medina, 1999;Dittrich, 1999).
It is highly possible that up until recently many women of color wee suffering from eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in silence and/or without knowing the severity of their disease or even that it was a disease. In a recent phone call with a Latina friend that is suffering from anorexia she said, "After Karen died and all the media coverage, I went to the doctor to tell him that I also had anorexia. I was severely underweight and my skin had a yellow undertone. After examining me he told me, "you don't have anorexia, only white women can get that disease." It was 10 years until I went to another doctor" (personal communication, February 1000). The idea of eating disorders as a "white girls disease" still influences many health care workers.
Unfortunately, eating disorders do not discriminate. Individuals of any race, class, sex, age, ability, sexual orientation, etc. can suffer from an eating disorder. What can and does differ is the individual's experience of the eating disorder, how health professionals treat them, and finally, what is involved in treating a woman of color with an eating disorder. Research that is inclusive of the women of color eating disorder experience is still quite lacking in comparison to eating disorder research that is conducted from the white ethnocentric viewpoint.
Some current researchers are calling for a re-evaluation of the eating disorder diagnostic criteria for the DSM-V based on their belief that the criteria as defined in the DSM-IV (1994) is "white" bias. Root (1990) identifies stereotypes, racism, and ethnocentrism as reasons underlying this lack of attention of women of color with eating disorders. Further, Root (1990) suggests that mental health professionals have accepted the notion of certain blanket factors in minority cultures. An appreciation for larger body sizes, less emphasis on physical attractiveness and a stable familial and social structure have all been named as rationalizations that support the stereotype of a "white girls disease" and suggest an invulnerability to the development of eating disorders in women of color from the development of eating disorders "fails to take into account the reality of within-group individual differences and the complexities associated with developing a self-image within an oppressive and racist society"
A Common Trait in the Development of Eating Disorders
The one thing that appears to be a required factor for the development of an eating disorder is low self-esteem. It also appears that a history of low self-esteem needs to have been present during the individual's formative and developmental years. That is to say, that a woman who develops an eating disorder at the age of 35 years old, most likely dealt with low self-esteem issues at some time prior to the age of 18 years old whether or not this issue was resolved prior to the development of an eating disorder. This trait runs cross culture. Individuals with eating disorders also seem to be more apt to personalize and internalize negative components of their environment. In a sense, low self-esteem combined with a high propensity towards personalization and internalization primes the individual for the future development of an eating disorder. Cultural influences self-esteem and aids in the maintenance of an eating disorder yet does not solely account for the development of an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders and Women of Color
The relationship between ethnocultural identity and eating disorders is complex and research in this area is just beginning. In the initial research in this area, it was believed that a strong perceived need for identification with the dominant culture correlated positively to the development of eating disorders in women of color. To put another way, the greater the acculturation the greater risk of the development of an eating disorder. Aside from the remaining ethnocentric quality in this theory, current research has found no correlation between general identification with dominant white culture and the development of eating disorders in women of color. Nor has it been found that a strong identification with one's own culture protects against the development of eating disorders. Though it has been found that when a more specific and limited measure of societal identification is used, that of the internalization of the dominant cultures values of attractiveness and beauty, there is a positive correlation in the development of eating disorders with some groups of women of color.
African American Women & Eating Disorders
There are many chemicals in your blood stream that regulate important functions of our bodies. These chemicals are called electrolytes. When dissolved in water, electrolytes separate into positively and negatively charged ions. Your body's nerve reactions and muscle function are dependent upon the proper exchange of these electrolyte ions outside and inside cells.
Examples of electrolytes are calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Electrolyte Imbalance can cause a variety of symptoms.
* Note: Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
There are many causes for an electrolyte imbalance. Causes for an electrolyte imbalance may include:
An electrolyte imbalance is usually diagnosed based upon information obtained through:
Although research is lacking in the study of separate groups of women of color, Lester & Petrie (1998) conducted a research study involving bulimic syptomatology among African American college females. Their results indicated that when "dissatisfaction with body size and shape was higher, the self-esteem lower, and when the body mass was greater, the number of reported bulimic symptoms was also greater" (p.7). Variables that were found to not be significant indicators to bulimic symptoms in African American college women were depression,internalization of societal values of attractiveness, or the level of identification with White culture (Lester & Petrie , 1998). Whether or not this information could be generalized to African American women outside of college is at this time unknown.
Mexican American Women and Eating Disorder
Again, it is Lester & Petrie (1995) that conducted a specific study concerning this group of women of color. Again, this study was conducted with the focus on Mexican American females in a college setting and the information gathered may or may not be salient to Mexican American women outside of the college setting. Lester &Petrie's (1995) research revealed that unlike African American women in college, the adoption and internalization of White societal values concerning attractiveness were related positively to bulimic symptomatology in Mexican American college women. Similar to African American women, body mass was also positively correlated. Body satisfaction as well as age was found to be unrelated to bulimic symptomatology in this cultural group (Lester & Petrie, 1995).
Implications for the Counselor
One basic implication for counselors would be to simply be aware of the fact that women of color can and do experience eating disorders. A question a counselor might need to keep in mind would be: Do I think of the possibility of eating disorders in a woman of color who comes into my office with the same quickness that I might if the individual had been a white girl? Root (1990) notes that many mental health professional have unconsciously bought into the notion of eating disorders as a "white girls disease" and diagnosing a woman of color with an eating disorder simply doesn't cross their minds. Considering the death rate of eating disordered individuals this mistake can be extremely costly.
Another suggestion made by Harris & Kuba (1997) was to note that the identity formation of women of color in the U.S. is a complex process and the counselor needs to have a working understanding of the developmental stages of this formation. Each developmental stage can take on quite different implications when combined with an eating disorder.
Lastly, due to the white bias within the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV (1994) clinicians need to be willing to use the category of "Eating Disorder NOS" as to justify insurance coverage for clients with atypical symptoms.
By: Jennifer Daniels
Another suggestion made by Harris & Kuba (1997) was to note that the identity formation of women of color in the U.S. is a complex process and the counselor needs to have a working understanding of the developmental stages of this formation. Each developmental stage can take on quite different implications when combined with an eating disorder.
Lastly, due to the white bias within the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV (1994) clinicians need to be willing to use the category of "Eating Disorder NOS" as to justify insurance coverage for clients with atypical symptoms.
By: Jennifer Daniels
Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder where people starve themselves. Anorexia usually begins in young people around the onset of puberty. Individuals suffering from anorexia have extreme weight loss. Weight loss is usually 15% below the person's normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight. Weight loss is obtained by many ways. Some of the common techniques used are excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating.
Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls.
People with anorexia continue to think they are overweight even after they become extremely thin, are very ill or near death. Often they will develop strange eating habits such as refusing to eat in front of other people. Sometimes the individuals will prepare big meals for others while refusing to eat any of it.
The disorder is thought to be most common among people of higher socioeconomic classes and people involved in activities where thinness is especially looked upon, such as dancing, theater, and distance running.
By: MamasHealth.com
Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear. Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls.
People with anorexia continue to think they are overweight even after they become extremely thin, are very ill or near death. Often they will develop strange eating habits such as refusing to eat in front of other people. Sometimes the individuals will prepare big meals for others while refusing to eat any of it.
The disorder is thought to be most common among people of higher socioeconomic classes and people involved in activities where thinness is especially looked upon, such as dancing, theater, and distance running.
By: MamasHealth.com
Symptoms of Anorexia
There are many symptoms for anorexia, some individuals may not experience all of the symptoms. The symptoms include: Body weight that isinconsistent with age, build and height (usually 15% below normal weight).
Some other symptoms of anorexia are:
- Loss of at least 3 consecutive menstrual periods (in women)
- Not wanting or refusing to eat in public
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Brittle skin
- Shortness of breath
- Obsessiveness about calorie intake
Anorexia and Pregnancy
In order to have a healthy child, the average child, the average pregnant woman would gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Telling this to a person with anorexia is like telling a normal person to gain 100 pounds. If you are anorexic, you may have trouble conceiving a baby and carrying it to term. Irregular menstrual cycles and weak bones make it more difficult to conceive. If you are underweight and do not eat the proper variety of foods, you and your baby could be in danger.
Women with eating disorders have higher rates of miscarriages and your baby might be born prematurely which puts them at risk for many medical problems.
All pregnant women should receive proper prenatal care. Those recovering from anorexia or bulimia need special care. You should always take your prenatal vitamins and have regular prenatal visits. You should not exercise unless your doctor says it is okay and it is a good idea to enroll in a prenatal exercise class to be sure you are not overexerting yourself.
By: MamasHealth.com
Women with eating disorders have higher rates of miscarriages and your baby might be born prematurely which puts them at risk for many medical problems.
All pregnant women should receive proper prenatal care. Those recovering from anorexia or bulimia need special care. You should always take your prenatal vitamins and have regular prenatal visits. You should not exercise unless your doctor says it is okay and it is a good idea to enroll in a prenatal exercise class to be sure you are not overexerting yourself.
By: MamasHealth.com
Good News about Anorexia
- Anorexia can be overcome.
- With proper care, you can overcome your eating disorder and have a healthy child.
Anorexia Statistics
One percent of teenage girls in the U.S. develop anorexia nervosa and up to 10% of those may die as a result.
By: MamasHealth.com
By: MamasHealth.com
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder is a newly recognized condition that probably affects millions of Americans. People with binge eating disorder frequently eat large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control over their eating. This disorder is different from binge-purge syndrome (bulimianervosa) because people with binge eating disorder usually do not purge afterward by vomiting or using laxatives.
By: www.athealth.com
By: www.athealth.com
How Does Someone Know if He or She has Binge Eating Disorder?
Most of us overeat from time to time, and many people feel they frequently eat more than they should. Eating large amounts of food, however, does not mean that a person has binge eating disorder. Doctors are still debating the best ways to determine if someone has binge eating disorder. But most people with serious binge eating problems have:
By: www.athealth.com
- Frequent episodes of eating what others would consider an abnormally large amount of food.
- Frequent feelings of being unable to control what or how much is being eaten.
- Several of these behaviors or feelings:
- Eating much more rapidly than usual.
- Eating until uncomfortably full.
- Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry.
- Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten.
- Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.
By: www.athealth.com
How Common is Binge Eating Disorder, and Who is at Risk?
Although it has only recently been recognized as a distinct condition, binge eating disorder is probably the most common eating disorder. Most people with binge eating disorder are obese (more than 20 percent above a healthy body weight), but normal-weight people also can be affected. Binge eating disorder probably affects 2 percent of all adults, or about 1 million to 2 million Americans. Among mildly obese people in self-help or commercial weight loss programs, 10 to 15 percent have binge eating disorder. The disorder is even more common in those with severe obesity.
Binge eating disorder is slightly more common in women, with three women affected for every two men. The disorder affects blacks as often as whites; its frequency in other ethnic groups is not yet known. Obese people with binge eating disorder often became overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder. They also may have more frequent episodes of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo dieting).
By: www.athealth.com
Binge eating disorder is slightly more common in women, with three women affected for every two men. The disorder affects blacks as often as whites; its frequency in other ethnic groups is not yet known. Obese people with binge eating disorder often became overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder. They also may have more frequent episodes of losing and regaining weight (yo-yo dieting).
By: www.athealth.com
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Up to half of all people with binge eating disorder have a history of depression. Whether depression is a cause or effect of binge eating disorder is unclear. It may be unrelated. Many people report that anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety or other negative emotions can trigger a binge episode. Impulsive behavior and certain other psychological problems may be more common in people with binge eating disorder.
Dieting's effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear. While findings vary, early research suggests that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet. Still, strict dieting may worsen binge eating in some people.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body burns calories) affect binge eating disorder. These areas of research are still in the early stages.
By: www.athealth.com
Dieting's effect on binge eating disorder is also unclear. While findings vary, early research suggests that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet. Still, strict dieting may worsen binge eating in some people.
Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body burns calories) affect binge eating disorder. These areas of research are still in the early stages.
By: www.athealth.com
What are the Complications of Binge Eating Disorder?
The major complications of binge eating disorder are the diseases that accompany obesity. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, gallbladder disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
People with binge eating disorder are extremely depressed by their binge eating. Most have tried to control it on their own but have not succeeded for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat. Obese people with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves, are preoccupied with their appearance, and may avoid social gatherings. Most feel ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often they are so successful that close family members and friends don't know they binge eat.
By: www.athealth.com
People with binge eating disorder are extremely depressed by their binge eating. Most have tried to control it on their own but have not succeeded for very long. Some people miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat. Obese people with binge eating disorder often feel bad about themselves, are preoccupied with their appearance, and may avoid social gatherings. Most feel ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often they are so successful that close family members and friends don't know they binge eat.
By: www.athealth.com
Should People with Binge Eating Disorder Try to Diet?
People who are not overweight or only mildly obese should probably avoid dieting, since strict dieting may worsen binge eating. However, many people with binge eating disorder are severely obese and have medial problems related to their weight. For these people, losing wight and keeping it off are important treatment goals. Most people with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, may benefit from treatment that addresses their eating behavior.
By: www.athealth.com
By: www.athealth.com
What Treatments are Available for People with Binge Eating Disorder?
Several studies have found that people with binge eating disorder may find it harder than other people to stay in weight loss treatment. Binge eaters also may be more likely to regain weight quickly. For these reasons, people with the disorder may require treatment that focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight. Even those who are not overweight are frequently distressed by their binge eating and may benefit from treatment.
Several methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients techniques to monitor and change their eating habits as well as to change the way they respond to difficult situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people examine their relationships with friends and family and to make changes in problem areas. Treatment with medications such as antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals. Self-help groups also may be a source of support. Researchers are still trying to determine which method or combination of methods is the most effective in controlling binge eating disorder. The type of treatment that is best for an individual is a matter for discussion between the patient and his or her health care provider.
If you believe you have binge eating disorder, it's important you realize that you are not alone. Most people who have the disorder have tried unsuccessfully to control it on their own. You may want to seek professional treatment.
By: www.athealth.com
Several methods are being used to treat binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients techniques to monitor and change their eating habits as well as to change the way they respond to difficult situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people examine their relationships with friends and family and to make changes in problem areas. Treatment with medications such as antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals. Self-help groups also may be a source of support. Researchers are still trying to determine which method or combination of methods is the most effective in controlling binge eating disorder. The type of treatment that is best for an individual is a matter for discussion between the patient and his or her health care provider.
If you believe you have binge eating disorder, it's important you realize that you are not alone. Most people who have the disorder have tried unsuccessfully to control it on their own. You may want to seek professional treatment.
By: www.athealth.com
Difference between Anorexia and Bulimia
The biggest difference between anorexia and bulimia is that people suffering from bulimia eat large amounts of food and then throw up. This is called binge and purge. Anorexics do not eat large amounts and throw up. Bulimics do.
By: MamasHealth.com
By: MamasHealth.com
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa or bulimia is a type of eating disorder. A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time. This is called bingeing. The person may fear gaining weight after a binge. Bingeing also can cause feelings of shame & guilt. So, the person tries to "undo" the binge by getting rid of the food. This is called purging. Purging might be done by:
- making yourself throw up
- taking laxatives---pills or liquids that speed up the movement of food through the body & lead to a bowel movement
- exercising a lot
- eating very little or not at all
- taking water pills to urinate
By: Angie Best-Boss
Bulimia Causes
Bulimia causes are varied & researchers cannot pinpoint one villain. People may be born with an inherited predisposition towards developing bulimia, particularly where addictin is in the genes. Environmental factors can contribute to triggering the onset of bulimia. Thes include peer pressures, family attitudes, the influence of the media creating a need for thinness, poor self-esteem & a lack of acceptance of self & body shape.
Persons with bulimia have low self esteem, neagative self thoughts, extreme concern with body weight & shape, depressed feelings, & a sense of shame. They may be coping with identity questions, concerns about relationships, family problems, or past sexual abuse. They feel out of control & pursue thiness as a way to feel better. However, the consequent dieting & deprivation sets the stage for a binge, followed by a purge. The cycle repeatss as the underlying problems have not been addressed.
By Angie Best-Boss
Persons with bulimia have low self esteem, neagative self thoughts, extreme concern with body weight & shape, depressed feelings, & a sense of shame. They may be coping with identity questions, concerns about relationships, family problems, or past sexual abuse. They feel out of control & pursue thiness as a way to feel better. However, the consequent dieting & deprivation sets the stage for a binge, followed by a purge. The cycle repeatss as the underlying problems have not been addressed.
By Angie Best-Boss
Bulimia Effects
Bulimia nervosa may seem to be less damaging because it's much easier to hide than anorexia. While a person with anorexia nervosa will look emaciated, it can take months of severe Bulimia to see the bulimia effects. About 10% of individuals suffering from bulimia will die from either starvation, heart attack, other medical effects, or suicide.
Some of the most common complications of bulimia are:
- Tooth enamel erosion because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.
- Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.
- Swelling & soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).
- Stomach Ulcers.
- Ruptures of the stomach & esophagus.
- Abnormal build-up of fluid in the intestines.
- Disruption in the normal bowel realease function.
- Electrolyte imbalance.
- Dehydration
- Irregular heartbeat & in severe cases, heart attack.
- A greater risk for suicidal behavior.
By Angie Best-Boss
Bulimia Symptoms
Bulimia is binge-eating followed by self-induced vomitting or the use of laxatives.
Physiological
- person may be under-, over-, or normal weight
- swollen glands, puffiness in the cheeks, or broken vessels under the eyes
- sore throat
- fatigue & muscle ache
- unexplained tooth decay
- frequent weight fluctuations
- electrolyte imbalance which can lead to irregular hearbeat, & in some cases, heart attack
Bulimia is a binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives.Behavioral- secretive eating (missing food)
- avoidance of restaurants, planned meals or social events if food is present
- self-disgust when too much has been eaten
- bathroom visits after meals
- the use of diet pills
- rigid & harsh exercise regimes
- fear of being fat, regardless of weight
- bingeing that may alternate with fasting
- preoccupation/constant talk about food or weight
- vomiting & laxative use
- shoplifting (sometimes food or laxatives)
Bulimia is binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives.Attitude Shifts- mood shifts including depression, sadness, guilt, & self-hate
- severe self-criticism
- the need for approval
- self-worth determined by weight
- feeling out of control
By Angie Best-Boss
What are Electrolytes?
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There are many chemicals in your blood stream that regulate important functions of our bodies. These chemicals are called electrolytes. When dissolved in water, electrolytes separate into positively and negatively charged ions. Your body's nerve reactions and muscle function are dependent upon the proper exchange of these electrolyte ions outside and inside cells.
Examples of electrolytes are calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Electrolyte Imbalance can cause a variety of symptoms.
Normal Adult Values
Calcium: 4.5-5.5 mEq/L
Chloride: 97-107 mEq/L
Potassium: 3.5-5.3 mEq/L
Magnesium: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Sodium: 136-145 mEq/L
Calcium: 4.5-5.5 mEq/L
Chloride: 97-107 mEq/L
Potassium: 3.5-5.3 mEq/L
Magnesium: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
Sodium: 136-145 mEq/L
* Note: Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
Interpreting Blood Test Results - Electrolyte Imbalance:
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
There are many causes for an electrolyte imbalance. Causes for an electrolyte imbalance may include:
- Loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fever
- Inadequate diet and lack of vitamins from food
- Malabsorption - your body may be unable to absorb these electrolytes due to a variety of stomach disorders, medications, or may be how food is taken in
- Hormonal or endocrine disorders
- Kidney disease
- A complication of chemotherapy is tumor lysis syndrome. This occurs when your body breaks down tumor cells rapidly after chemotherapy, causing a low blood calcium level, high blood potassium levels, and other electrolyte abnormalities.
- Chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin)
- Diuretics (furosemide[Lasix] or bumetanide[Bumex])
- Antibiotics (amphotericin B)
- Corticosteroids (hydrocortisone)
- As described, an electrolyte imbalance may create a number of symptoms. The symptoms of electrolyte imbalance are based on which of the electrolyte levels are affected.
- If your blood test results indicate an altered potassium, magnesium, sodium, or calcium levels, you may experience muscle spasm, weakness, twitching, or convulsions.
- Blood test results showing low levels may lead to: irregular heartbeat, confusion, blood pressure changes, nervous system or bone disorders.
- Blood test results showing high levels may lead to: weakness or twitching of the muscles, numbness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and blood pressure changes.
An electrolyte imbalance is usually diagnosed based upon information obtained through:
- Your history of symptoms.
- A physical examination by your healthcare provider.
- Urine and blood test results.
- If there are other abnormalities based on these findings, your healthcare provider may suggest further testing, such as an EKG. (Severely high or low potassium, magnesium and/or sodium levels can affect your heart rhythm.)
- If you have an electrolyte imbalance due to kidney problems, your healthcare provider may want to do an ultrasound or x-ray of your kidneys.
- Identifying and treating the underlying problem causing the electrolyte imbalance.
- Intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement.
- A Minor electrolyte imbalance may be corrected by diet changes. For example; eating a diet rich in potassium if you have low potassium levels, or restricting your water intake if you have a low blood sodium level.
"I Am A Calorie Prisoner"
health, diet, eating-disorders, calorie-counting, disordered-eating
geminisunset
I am seeding an article that I read over the weekend in the latest edition of Self Magazine. The article talked about eating disorders and disordered eating. I have never heard of disordered eating, but found myself identifying with one of the six categories defined in the article: Calorie Prisoners. Per the article, "Calorie prisoners are terrified of gaining weight, tend to see food as good or bad and feel extremely guilty if they indulge in something that's off-limits."
For the first 25 years of my life, I did not have to even think about what I was eating. I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain a pound. Then, last May, I turned 26. My body started to shift. By the end of the year, I was staring to notice some "giggly" spots that were never there before. This scared me. Two generations before me have struggled with weight issues. My mother continues to struggle. And her mother, my Nana, never won the battle - she died of a diabetic coma thirteen and a half years ago.
So, like millions of other people around the world, I made a New Year's resolution to start working out on a more consistent basis. In addition, I was going to start watching my calories.
Now, there is nothing wrong with working-out on a regular basis to maintain health. I did not get to the point where I was working out too much and/or over exerting myself. (Per the article: Extreme exercisers work out despite illness, injury or exhaustion and solely for weight loss. This is another disordered eating category.)
I did however become obsessed with counting calories. I found websites on which I could log my meals. I studied and compared food choices and would deny myself food even if I was still hungry, for the simple reason that my calorie count for the day would not allow it. On weekdays, it was easy to log everything, since I spend 8 hours a day on the computer anyways. I could plan ahead to make sure I knew what I could and could not have once I got home. Then on weekends, I would race to my computer anytime I ate or drank something with caloric value. I had to log it! If I didn't log it, I'd forget, and then it would throw off my daily count!
It became an obsession. I had a fear of gaining weight. I had a fear of being the third generation of having weight issues. Both generations before me did not have weight problems until their late-20's. I was not in the clear! Anything could happen! I needed to get control now!
But then it hit me. As long as I make wise choices, and I maintain an active lifestyle, I do not need to run to the computer after every little bite. I know what things I should and should not have. I understand how to eat in moderation. I do not grab the tub of ice cream and eat it in one sitting. I scoop it into a coffee mug and enjoy a serving. I eat fruits and/or veggies with every meal. Just from working out, the giggles I had started noticing have gone away.
While calorie counting and logging my foods for the first quarter of this year confirmed that I do know how to make wise decisions, I refuse to keep a daily log any longer. I was a prisoner.
Will I ever log my foods again? Yeah, probably. I may check-in once in a while to make sure I am still making good decisions. But I will never allow myself to become obsessed again. .... But I must admit, it is still a struggle to NOT think about it. I am a calorie prisoner. Whether or not I physically count the calories, they may hold me prisoner forever. Why? Because I have a fear of what my genes might hold for my future....
geminisunset.newsvine.com
geminisunset
I am seeding an article that I read over the weekend in the latest edition of Self Magazine. The article talked about eating disorders and disordered eating. I have never heard of disordered eating, but found myself identifying with one of the six categories defined in the article: Calorie Prisoners. Per the article, "Calorie prisoners are terrified of gaining weight, tend to see food as good or bad and feel extremely guilty if they indulge in something that's off-limits."
For the first 25 years of my life, I did not have to even think about what I was eating. I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain a pound. Then, last May, I turned 26. My body started to shift. By the end of the year, I was staring to notice some "giggly" spots that were never there before. This scared me. Two generations before me have struggled with weight issues. My mother continues to struggle. And her mother, my Nana, never won the battle - she died of a diabetic coma thirteen and a half years ago.
So, like millions of other people around the world, I made a New Year's resolution to start working out on a more consistent basis. In addition, I was going to start watching my calories.
Now, there is nothing wrong with working-out on a regular basis to maintain health. I did not get to the point where I was working out too much and/or over exerting myself. (Per the article: Extreme exercisers work out despite illness, injury or exhaustion and solely for weight loss. This is another disordered eating category.)
I did however become obsessed with counting calories. I found websites on which I could log my meals. I studied and compared food choices and would deny myself food even if I was still hungry, for the simple reason that my calorie count for the day would not allow it. On weekdays, it was easy to log everything, since I spend 8 hours a day on the computer anyways. I could plan ahead to make sure I knew what I could and could not have once I got home. Then on weekends, I would race to my computer anytime I ate or drank something with caloric value. I had to log it! If I didn't log it, I'd forget, and then it would throw off my daily count!
It became an obsession. I had a fear of gaining weight. I had a fear of being the third generation of having weight issues. Both generations before me did not have weight problems until their late-20's. I was not in the clear! Anything could happen! I needed to get control now!
But then it hit me. As long as I make wise choices, and I maintain an active lifestyle, I do not need to run to the computer after every little bite. I know what things I should and should not have. I understand how to eat in moderation. I do not grab the tub of ice cream and eat it in one sitting. I scoop it into a coffee mug and enjoy a serving. I eat fruits and/or veggies with every meal. Just from working out, the giggles I had started noticing have gone away.
While calorie counting and logging my foods for the first quarter of this year confirmed that I do know how to make wise decisions, I refuse to keep a daily log any longer. I was a prisoner.
Will I ever log my foods again? Yeah, probably. I may check-in once in a while to make sure I am still making good decisions. But I will never allow myself to become obsessed again. .... But I must admit, it is still a struggle to NOT think about it. I am a calorie prisoner. Whether or not I physically count the calories, they may hold me prisoner forever. Why? Because I have a fear of what my genes might hold for my future....
geminisunset.newsvine.com
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