Purging...A "New" Eating Disorder?
One of the greatest mistakes health care professionals can make with regards to eating disorders is categorization. What behaviors define one person's eating disorder may or may not mirror those of another. Granted, there may be some similarities, but to look at a person's weight and use that as a defining factor of an eating disorder is wrong. Rather, a person's attitude towards food as it relates to the body image is the larger issue.
For people who struggle with an eating disorder, the announcement this week of a "new" disorder comes as no surprise. Individuals who purge exclusively do not fall into the category of either anorexics or bulimics. There are critical differences between these disorders that bears review.
Anorexics starve themselves. By denying themselves food, many believe they are exerting some level of control over themselves and their lives. Often, but not always, depending on the progression of the disease, anorexics are marked by a pronounced thinness and bony appearance. Anorexia can result in organ failure and death.
Bulimics may not look like they have an eating disorder. Because repeated purging can cause the body to retain fluids, bulimics are not as thin as anorexics. Known for a vicious binge and purge cycle of behavior, bulimics can consume upwards of 10,000 calories at one sitting and then purge repeatedly to get rid of it. Bulimia can cause severe tooth decay, bone density loss and ruptures in the esophagus.
"Purgers" look healthy and may not show any outward signs of an eating disorder. But in reality, these individuals can only eat a small amount of food before they are compelled to purge. This disorder lacks the "binge" of a bulimic, but offers additional medical concerns because of the frequency of the purges.
Individuals world wide need to realize that just because a person doesn't weigh 80 pounds and look skeletal means they aren't struggling with an eating disorder. As obesity levels continue to rise, greater attention needs to be paid to our attitudes towards food and our relationship with it.
Eating disorders are dangerous and can be fatal if not identified and treated. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, be assured that there are those in the medical profession that can relate to what you're going through and want to help you. No longer are individuals being limited to just two eating disorder diagnoses. Now, regardless of what behaviors you are exhibiting and at what level, new light is being shed on how to best assist you.
The reality is there may be other eating disorder behaviors out there that have just not been identified and documented yet. But that doesn't mean they are any less important or serious. Education is the key. If you have sought out treatment and it wasn't a "good fit" for you, try another program. Keep trying until you can find something that speaks to where you are right now.
You ARE worth it!
For people who struggle with an eating disorder, the announcement this week of a "new" disorder comes as no surprise. Individuals who purge exclusively do not fall into the category of either anorexics or bulimics. There are critical differences between these disorders that bears review.
Anorexics starve themselves. By denying themselves food, many believe they are exerting some level of control over themselves and their lives. Often, but not always, depending on the progression of the disease, anorexics are marked by a pronounced thinness and bony appearance. Anorexia can result in organ failure and death.
Bulimics may not look like they have an eating disorder. Because repeated purging can cause the body to retain fluids, bulimics are not as thin as anorexics. Known for a vicious binge and purge cycle of behavior, bulimics can consume upwards of 10,000 calories at one sitting and then purge repeatedly to get rid of it. Bulimia can cause severe tooth decay, bone density loss and ruptures in the esophagus.
"Purgers" look healthy and may not show any outward signs of an eating disorder. But in reality, these individuals can only eat a small amount of food before they are compelled to purge. This disorder lacks the "binge" of a bulimic, but offers additional medical concerns because of the frequency of the purges.
Individuals world wide need to realize that just because a person doesn't weigh 80 pounds and look skeletal means they aren't struggling with an eating disorder. As obesity levels continue to rise, greater attention needs to be paid to our attitudes towards food and our relationship with it.
Eating disorders are dangerous and can be fatal if not identified and treated. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, be assured that there are those in the medical profession that can relate to what you're going through and want to help you. No longer are individuals being limited to just two eating disorder diagnoses. Now, regardless of what behaviors you are exhibiting and at what level, new light is being shed on how to best assist you.
The reality is there may be other eating disorder behaviors out there that have just not been identified and documented yet. But that doesn't mean they are any less important or serious. Education is the key. If you have sought out treatment and it wasn't a "good fit" for you, try another program. Keep trying until you can find something that speaks to where you are right now.
You ARE worth it!