Approximately seven million women in the U.S. have eating disorders.

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating. In a 1998 survey that included 37,500 young women between the ages of 12 and 15, over half listed appearance as the biggest concern in their lives. About 60 percent of girls who suffered from low self-esteem were also dieting.   

Many adolescents and some women suffer from anorexia nervosa. While the typical image of an anorexic is that of a young overachieving teenager, anorexia can affect women at any age, and the risk of death is even higher among older women. Recent studies have shown that older women may become anorexic following personal loss or anything that impinges on their identity. These women have a distorted image of their bodies. They think that they are obese even if they weigh less than the adequate weight for their age and height. That is why they eat very little and exercise in an exaggerated manner.      

Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa can have several causes. Victims of this dangerous disorder often start with simple dieting, but eventually take to extremes. Those who suffer from the disease tend to be hard working and conformist. Their families are usually filled with high achievers, who have high expectations of their children and sometimes tend to encourage conformity and discourage individual growth.

Bulimia

Another disease is bulimia, or diet-purge disorder. In this case, the person eats large amounts of food and then forces herself (or himself) to vomit in order not to gain weight.  About 50% of people who have been anorexic develop bulimia or bulimic patterns. Still another eating disorder is binge eating disorder, or compulsive eating. Women suffering from this disorder binge frequently and repeatedly. They usually feel out of control and unable to stop eating during these binges. They may also feel guilty and ashamed of themselves. Additionally, these women usually have a history of diet failures. They tend to be obese and depressed. This is important when considering the fact that over half of adult Americans, both male and female, are overweight. About one third are obese, meaning that they are 20% or more above normal, healthy weight. Many of these people have binge eating disorder.     

Not just for females, either

As with girls and women, some men also suffer from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Some researchers believe these men make up 10-15 percent of all cases of these disorders, but others suggest it is even higher. Risk factors for males include being overweight as children, a history of dieting, participating in a sport of having a job or profession that demands thinness. Typical examples include models, actors, and entertainers. Men usually begin falling into eating disorders at an older age than females do.  

Anorexia is not reserved to adolescents. This dangerous eating disorder can affect women at any age, and the risk of death is even higher among older women.

Warning signs

Anorexia may be very difficult to notice even in some advanced stages. Warning signs include always having an excuse not to eat, not being hungry, skipping meals, not eating in front of other people or taking only tiny portions. Other signs: finding empty food packages, bathrooms that smell like vomit, diet pills, or water pills.

Complications of anorexia nervosa

Because they cannot maintain the normal level of necessary estrogen, many anorexic women do not have a menstrual cycle. Due to the lack of body fat, they may feel cold, even in a warm environment. The body can recover to periodic semi-starvation. But several years of prolonged weight loss can result in stunted growth and later on to osteoporosis. Cases of severe weight loss, including the use of vomiting or laxatives to promote weight loss, are associated with destruction of teeth, loss of muscle mass, irregular heart beat, kidney failure, and in extreme cases, can cause death. Psychological problems associated with this disorder include self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.

Treatment options

Unfortunately, treatment can sometimes be costly, and there can be a long waiting list at eating disorder clinics. The best treatment should be tailored for each individual. The first stop is the evaluation by a physician or a counselor. The goal of treatment is to move toward regaining normal weight with a normal eating pattern. In some extreme cases, hospitalization may be required. Support groups should be an adjunct to the treatment plan, since they are not sufficient by themselves.

Prevention tips

Here are some tips for those with a tendency to extreme dieting:

	Start by learning everything you can about healthy weight regulation, including sound nutrition, regular exercise, and learning coping skills to resist the obsession with dieting and thinness.
	Those with bulimia should eat regularly to avoid hunger, which usually can trigger binging.
	These people also need to concentrate on staying active and doing fun things.
	Stay close to family and friends.
	Avoiding all-you-can-eat buffets.
	Look into methods of stress management.
	Finally, this note to parents: Please be role models to your children by feeling comfortable with your own body, no matter what its size and shape. Avoid criticizing your own appearance. Fathers, in particular, should never criticize their children about their bodies, especially their girls.