Binge and purge? (Eating disorders - how are they caused?)

Member Name: rawwrjem

Product:	Eating disorders - how are they caused?
Date:	19/04/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None!

Disadvantages: bad health, bad teeth, risks.

I've heard of anorexia and bulimia and, to be completely honest, can't tell you the cause of the problem, I can guess, but I myself have never been a sufferer of this, you would tell this if you saw me aha.
Last year, just before christmas, my daughter slipped into the habit of missing meals and then she stopped eating and wouldn't eat for days. I was very worried because she is also a martial artist and with vigorous exercise, I was scared she wouldn't have the energy to train and fight. I then noticed her going to the bathroom a lot, especially after meals and when I heard her retching in the bathroom, I confronted her and made her weigh herself confirming that she had lost 7lb in about three weeks from 7st 9 to 7st 2 which made her look awful because she was 5"4. I was so worried and I had a good chat to her and although she denied it, I knew what was hapening and got through to her telling her the risks of eating disorders and that I had spoken to a nurse who I would take her to if she didn't eat. She now eats fine and is up to 8stone looking much more healthy, yet I never knew why she started, maybe it was just a fad?
I think that some of the reasons for bulimia / anorexia may be:
- control.
- attention seeking.
- lack of self confidence.
- bullying.
- peer pressure.
- trying it out, maybe a phase.

I wouldn't label anyone with an eating disorder with any of those though because I believe that everyone does it for different reasons. I think that the media has a little effect, seeing size 6 celebrities parading about in skimpy outfits must have an effect on teenage girls making them want to look like them and lose weight.

Risks of eating disorders include:
- erosion of enamel on teeth. (due to stomach acids passing teeth during vomiting, bulimia.)
- fatigue and dizziness due to lack of food.
- Abdominal pain.
- Constipation or diarrhoea.
- Fainting.
and more.

Overall eating disorders are serious and I think that more needs to be done to support sufferers.

Summary: Eating disorders are serious and are affecting lots of people.