Different Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders usually revolve around self image and perception problems. There are actually many people who have eating disorders who don't even know it. Then there are some who are in denial. Either way you look at it, this is a serious issue that cannot be taken lightly.

Effects

• Living with an eating disorder can have an impact on more than just weight. It can affect relationships, grades at school, work and athletic performance, and sleep habits. It can become an all-consuming obsession that may need professional help if it gets out of control.

Theories/Speculation

• Athletes such as tennis players, cheerleaders and wrestlers are most affected by eating disorders. These sports have in common the need to make a certain weight in order to play, and also have a lot of the body exposed. Bad habits like extreme calorie restriction, fasting to make weight and taking laxatives are common signs of an eating disorder in an athlete.

Types

• Bulimia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders, characterized by binging and purging; eating huge amounts of food, then resorting to inhumane ways of getting rid of it, such vomiting, excessive exercise and taking laxatives. That way bulimics feel they can eat whatever they want and not feel guilty about it. They are usually very secretive about their eating--they try to eat by themselves and they are often embarrassed to eat in front of others.
  Another condition that is akin to bulimia is anorexia. This is characterized by having the mindset that you are always fat, no matter how thin you are. Often people will go without eating for long periods of time and will not eat in the presence of others.
  Bigorexia is a condition that is not talked about much but is very real. It is technically called muscle dysmorphia. The population most struck by this is body builders. No matter how hard they train or work out, they don't feel they are big enough. This leads them to really monitor their caloric intake. In some cases they actually become bulimic; in other cases start using steroids.
  Then there are the compulsive overeaters. This condition is characterized by eating excessive amounts of food and not being able to stop. Usually it all starts when someone eats a trigger food. This is a food that will make them eat voraciously until they get sick or so bloated that they are forced to stop. Some examples of trigger foods would be doughnuts, popcorn, cereal, candy bars, pizza, french fries, wings, potato chips, pasta, pretzels and peanut butter.

Misconceptions

• It is true that athletes and teenagers, especially girls, are the ones most likely to have an eating disorder, but they are not alone. Numerous people have eating disorders. Often they look of completely normal in size and stature, but these are not always reliable indicators of an eating disorder. They will resort to wearing baggy clothes, skipping meals, hiding food in their desk drawers and even missing work to exercise.

Expert Insight

• Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. If you don't like what you see, you do not need to resort to extreme eating habits to make it right. You have the power to change, and it can be done in a sensible manner without taking it out on your body. You are only given one body, and what you do with it is your business. With that being said, take care of it and always feel good about who and what you are.