Eating Disorders Essay -- Food Health Anorexia Research Papers

Researchers study eating overturns to try to understand their many complexities. take in disorders are complicated psychiatric illnesses in which food is use to deal with unsettling emotions and difficult life issues (Michel & Willard, 2003, p. 2). To help those with eating disorders, one must understand the causes, effects and treatments associated with the disorders. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating are three commonality eating disorders found in society today. No one knows exactly what causes eating disorders. However, all socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural groups are at risk (Matthews, 2001, p.3). Eating disorders are difficult to diagnose but deal be deadly if left untreated. BackgroundThe Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness (n.d.) observes, Eating disorders bear on five to ten million Americans boyish girls and women and approximately one million American boys and men. In addition, approximately 70 million individuals in the world fight with this disorder. In a single persons lifetime, approximately 450,000 individuals will die because of this terrifying disease. Eating disorders know no race, age, class or gender. They can happen to anyone. Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years old and in adults as old as ninety. However, typical age of onset is anywhere from 12-18 years of age.Eating disorders often develop in adolescence because it is a time of numerous changes including sexual, physical, and emotional ones. Rachel Bryant-Waugh and Bryan Lask (2004) conclude that with adolescent changes, weight fluctuations often occur and many individuals may not feel ready to handle the differences (p.38). The inability to deal with change during this time often leads to anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating. The American Academy of Family Physicians (2003) states, People with anorexia starve themselves, avoid high-calorie foods and exercise constantly. The person suffering from anorexia is ab normally sensitive about being fat or has a massive fear of becoming fat. Low self esteem and a constant need for acceptance commonly is seen in anorexics. Michel and Willard (2003) contend the virtually prevalent characteristic with this disorder is reduced calorie intake. The initial need to lose just a few pounds is somewhere forgotten and the cycle of the disorder takes over. Anorexic... ...nabBryant-Waugh, R. & Lask, B. (2004). Eating disorders A parents guide (Rev. ed.). New York Brunner-Routledge.Kirkpatrick, J. & Caldwell, P. (2001). Eating disorders Everything you need to know. Buffalo, NY Firefly Books.Levine, M. & Maine, M. (2004). Some basic facts about eating disorders. Retrieved April 28, 2005 from http//www.brooklane.org/whitepgsMatthews, D. (Ed.). (2001). Eating disorders sourcebook (1st ed.). Detroit, MI Omnigraphics.Michel, D. & Willard, S. (2003). When dieting becomes dangerous A guide to understanding and treating anorexia and bulimia. New haven, CT Yale Univer sity Press.Missouri Department of Mental Health. (n.d.). Eating disorders. Retrieved whitethorn 1, 2005 from http//www.dmh.missouri.gov/cps/facts/eating.htmSimon-Kumar, R. (2001). Eating disorders. Retrieved May 1, 2005 from http// www.psychology4all.com/EatingDisorders.htmThe Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. (n.d.). Eating disorders statistics. Retrieved April 28, 2005, from http//www.1st-eating-disorders.infoThe American Academy of Family Physicians. (June 2003). Anorexia nervosa. Retrieved April 18, 2005, from http//www.familydoctor.org/063.xml