 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
For some, issues around food overtake thoughts and actions in a form that is very extreme. When this preoccupation gets to the point of extreme action it becomes know as an eating disorder. Extreme action can include, prolonged starvation, strict eating habits, binging, forced vomiting, the over use of laxatives or exercise.
All types of people, male and female, can have an eating disorder. It is a serious condition that can escalate to become life threatening. Just as serious, though, are the side effects, like dehydration, hair loss, constipation, digestive disorders, tooth decay, ulcers, and heart irregularities.
Types of Eating Disorders:
Anorexia - An intense fear of weight gain or fat, an extreme reduction in appetite, a total aversion to food intake, and an obsession with thinness.
Bulimia - Self induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, or over exercising after eating or binging.
Binge Eating Disorder - Eating enormous amounts of food frequently and over a long period of time, often in an out of control state.
There are many signs, many reasons, and many ways to get help. To find out more about eating disorders, browse the following links:
ANAD
National Eating Disorder Information Centre
National Eating Disorder Association
Overeaters Anonymous
Alberta Health Services, Eating Disorder Information