What are eating disorders?

Everyone needs food to survive. But for some people, food can become an overwhelming and destructive force that can completely dominate their thoughts, feelings and actions.

What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?

Anorexia is an illness that occurs mainly in teenage girls, although increasingly boys suffer from it too. People with anorexia are obsessed with being thin and are terrified of gaining weight. As a result, they starve themselves (especially avoiding high-calorie foods), and exercise obsessively until they become extremely thin and well below the normal weight for their age and height.

Bulimia usually affects women in their early to mid-twenties. People with bulimia are also terrified of gaining weight, but they can usually keep within a normal weight. This is because they eat very large amounts of fattening food (called 'bingeing'), but then get rid of that food by vomiting or by taking laxatives.

Why do people get these eating disorders?

A fear of not being able to cope or feeling overwhelmed are common among people with anorexia or bulimia. Denying themselves food may be one way to establish some control in their lives. Others may resort to food to block out disturbing feelings. People with bulimia are often unsure of themselves, lack confidence in their abilities or suffer from depression. Binge eating may be one way to cope with these unhappy, unsettled feelings.

Today's 'thin is beautiful' image may be a contributing factor. The waif-like ideal promoted through the media can put pressure on women of all ages to diet.

What health problems are caused by anorexia and bulimia?

Anorexia can cause many serious health problems. Usually women stop having their menstrual periods. Dry skin and thinning hair on the head are common, although fine hair may grow on other parts of the body. If severe anorexia isn't treated, the person may die.

However, continually vomiting and/or taking laxatives causes other health problems, which include a puffy face and swollen fingers, muscle weakness, stomach pains, long-term constipation and tooth decay as, over time, the stomach acid brought up by vomiting dissolves the tooth enamel.

How are these eating disorders treated?

The first treatment step is to bring the person back to, or near, an acceptable weight. This means making sure the person has regular meals with the family and eats enough calories to gain weight.

With bulimia, the priority is to re-establish a consistent pattern of eating, with three meals a day at regular times. Keeping a diary of eating habits and learning about healthy eating and sensible weight control are often helpful..


How can family and friends help?

Unwanted pressure or criticism from others usually makes matters worse. If possible, accept their behaviour instead of confronting them with it. Unless it's a life-threatening situation, try to let the person make his or her own choices and let the person know that love and support is consistently there.

Is it possible to get over an eating disorder?

Yes - it can be a long and difficult process. Sufferers may need to have psychotherapy for months or years, and relapses can occur in times of stress. Approximately 50% of people with anorexia who are treated in hospital continue to have symptoms for many years.