A Look At Eating Disorders

It not uncommon for high school & college aged girls to place emphasis on weight loss. However when the means for such results behavioral patterns such as skipping meals running excessively frequent & abusive use laxatives binging eating large amounts food & purging self-induced vomit after meals or other extremes the consequences for such behaviors can be serious & are likely symptoms an eating disorder.

Contributing Factors

Several factors play into developing an eating disorder. Some these may include but are not limited to environment self-image social & media influences & biological make-up. One”s environment at home or school could be such that positive attention is given from parents peers or an athletic coach for losing weight thus reinforcing continued pattern or method weight loss or mindset that says “the skinner the better.” Not that the motivation to be fit or exercise is bad by itself but when carried to excessive measures especially without proper sustenance before & after workouts the danger collapsing passing out & endangering one”s health significantly increases. It not uncommon for those with eating disorders to spend unusual amounts time exercising.

A person”s self-image past & present may be another factor. If person received negative attention as child for being little heavy behavior like skipping meals could be the means making sure that never happens again. Such memories may leave significant impression on one”s life & influence the pursuit negative alternatives to avoid future weight gain.

It should be noted that among women with eating disorders one common thread is that they cultivate self regard based on other people”s opinions their appearance rather than their own health or personal nutrition. This is dangerous vulnerability; especially considering influences such as the media & star athletes where so often thinner is portrayed as better when actuality some reports show that even athletes battle eating disorders.

Another factor potentially influencing eating behaviors is one”s biological make-up.

Each person is biologically unique & as such may have been little heavier as healthy part early development. Some people may have thicker bone structures while others are smaller. This biological make-up may contribute to ones size. Sadly some parents who see their toddlers gaining weight withhold food from them order to prevent them from getting chubby but this presents high risks for inadequate nutrition & can result what is referred to as “failure to thrive.”

Preventing & Treating Eating Disorders

According to the literature parents & loved ones should know that eating disorders are very difficult to overcome alone. In fact if not managed or treated appropriately eating disorders can be life threatening resulting hospitalization & sometimes death.

There are several steps that may be able to help prevent & treat an eating disorder.

Parents may be able to monitor the eating patterns their children by establishing set meal times. By making greater effort to eat together the morning & have family dinner the evening parents may be able not only spend time with their children but also teach & provide positive example balanced nutrition. Parents can also take time to engage their children conversation & become more familiar with their attitudes & beliefs about food & health general.

Professional help can provide another integral resource treating an eating disorder. There are licensed therapists who are experienced treating eating disorders & are aware the necessary commitment involved the recovering process.

Some suggest one the best efforts taken to help someone with an eating disorder is getting the family involved. The strength family bond can be an invaluable resource face of & successfully overcoming an eating disorder.

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