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Eating Disorders II

It is estimated that 1.1% to 4.2% of females suffer from bulimia sometime during their life.

There are a number of symptoms such as:

- Inappropriate behaviour to compensate the prevention of weight gain, for example self induced vomiting, abuse of diuretics, enemas, laxatives and other medications, fasting and excessive exercise.

- Recurrent episodes of binge eating which are characterized by excessive eating with a sense of a lack of control whilst binging.

- Inappropriate compensatory behaviour and binge eating both occur at least twice a week for approximately three months.

- Body weight and shape is influenced unduly by self evaluation.

Compensatory behaviour such as vomiting and excessive exercise follows the episodes of binge eating. People with bulimia normally weigh within the normal ranges for their height and weight; although similar to anorexics they feel extremely dissatisfied with their body and fear weight gain or have a desire to lose weight. Sufferers of bulimia often hide their behaviour and feel ashamed and disgusted during their binging episodes. This is later relieved through vomiting.

Symptoms of Binge Eating

Research has suggested that between 2 and 5% of USA females experience binge eating in a six month period.

Symptoms to look for when binge eating include:

-- distress about binge eating

-- occurrence at least two days per week for a period over 6 months.

-- Episodes involve eating an excessive amount of food in a short space of time with a lack of control during the episode

-- Eating more rapidly than normal, eating beyond comfort, eating alone due to embarrassment, eating when not feeling physically hungry, feelings of self disgust, depressed, feelings of guilt following binging.

Those suffering from binge-eating disorders suffer frequent episodes of eating out of control. The symptoms of binge eating are similar to those who suffer from bulimia, except those with binge eating disorders do not purge/vomit afterwards. Due to this, many people with this disorder are overweight. This illness is associated with feelings of self-disgust and shame which creates a spiral of binge eating which continues for long periods of time.

It is possible to treat an eating disorder to a point where a healthy weight is restored. A better outcome is achieved the sooner the disorder is diagnosed and treated.

Eating disorders are extremely complex requiring a specially designed treatment plan which not only involves diet but also counselling, both nutritional and emotional and in some cases, medication. Once diagnosed, the health professional should determine whether or not immediate hospitalization is required due to self danger.

Three main stages are set out in the treatment for anorexia although a specific treatment programme should be tailored for each patient. The stages are as follows:

Stage 1 - restoring the weight which has been lost due to severe dieting.

Stage 2 - treat the psychological issues with regards to distortion of body image, lack of self esteem.

Stage 3 - work towards long term remission, rehabilitation following a long term recovery.

Following these stages helps in restoring a person's attitude towards food and assists in their long term recovery.