along with working out, and feeling great! I got paid $100 to paint a picture for a vermont project. YAY ME!!!!
<3 Korey Beth
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
sooo it's day #16
I'm feeling better than I did last week, last night I ran harder and faster than I have in a VERY long time, then I stopped and smoked a cigg waited a couple minutes and ran laps for a 5 more minutes and then shimmied my legs side to side on the yellow "double" lines in the middle of the road in front of my house, about 20 minutes later I did 250 sit-ups, reps of 10 and 6 different exercises. last week I gained about 10 lbs. I'll be honest but this morning I was pleased to see my scale # went down! today starts a 3 day fast me and my awsome friend from across the country are doing together! I'm excited, yet scared... I'm hoping to keep focus and that we will be able to motivate eachother. I've gone weeks w/o eatting before, but not ina long time. I can do it! I WILL DO IT!
HHSW (hunger hurts, but starving works!)
I made my red bracelet this morning, I attached the letters HHSW so remind me' to keep pushing on.
wish me luck yall!
<3 Korey beth
xoxo
HHSW (hunger hurts, but starving works!)
I made my red bracelet this morning, I attached the letters HHSW so remind me' to keep pushing on.
wish me luck yall!
<3 Korey beth
xoxo
Saturday, April 2, 2011
day #13 BAD DAY
today has been a bad day, BINGE BINGE BINGE... ugh please help! anyone want to give me support, feel free. feelling shitty. and huge! running tonight and a late night work out.
wish me luck
korey-beth
xoxo
wish me luck
korey-beth
xoxo
Friday, April 1, 2011
Pro Ana ABC (Ana Boot Camp) Diet
As of today I am on day # 12 of this diet, it's super hard, but when I am done I know I will be so happy with how hard I worked. just have to keep my strict cal. intake and if any day I might mess up, FAST the next and it keeps me on track!
I also have challenged myself to;
OFFICIAL ABC DIET
WEEK #1
Day 1: 500 calories (or less)
Day 2: 500 calories (or less)
3: 300 calories
4: 400 calories
5: 100 calories
6: 200 calories
7: 300 calories
WEEK #2
8: 400 calories
9: 500 calories
10: Fast
11: 150 calories
12: 200 calories
13: 400 calories
14: 350 calories
WEEK#3
15: 250 calories
16: 200 calories
17: Fast
18: 200 calories
19: 100 calories
20: Fast
21: 300 calories
WEEK #4
22: 250 calories
23: 200 calories
24: 150 calories
25: 100 calories
26: 50 calories
27: 100 calories
28: 200 calories
WEEK #5
29: 200 calories
30: 300 calories
31: 800 calories
32: Fast
33: 250 calories
34: 350 calories
35: 450 calories
WEEK # 5
36: Fast
37: 500 calories
38: 450 calories
39: 400 calories
40: 350 calories
41: 300 calories
42: 250 calories
WEEK #6
43: 200 calories
44: 200 calories
45: 250 calories
46: 200 calories
47: 300 calories
48: 200 calories
49: 150 calories
50: Fast
I also have challenged myself to;
- Keep 1-2 liters of water in my system each and every day.
- sleep on average of 6-8 hours every night
- and exercise for 1-2 hours daily (or 5 days a week)
- also on top of my workout run for 30-45 minutes (4xs a week)
OFFICIAL ABC DIET
WEEK #1
Day 1: 500 calories (or less)
Day 2: 500 calories (or less)
3: 300 calories
4: 400 calories
5: 100 calories
6: 200 calories
7: 300 calories
WEEK #2
8: 400 calories
9: 500 calories
10: Fast
11: 150 calories
12: 200 calories
13: 400 calories
14: 350 calories
WEEK#3
15: 250 calories
16: 200 calories
17: Fast
18: 200 calories
19: 100 calories
20: Fast
21: 300 calories
WEEK #4
22: 250 calories
23: 200 calories
24: 150 calories
25: 100 calories
26: 50 calories
27: 100 calories
28: 200 calories
WEEK #5
29: 200 calories
30: 300 calories
31: 800 calories
32: Fast
33: 250 calories
34: 350 calories
35: 450 calories
WEEK # 5
36: Fast
37: 500 calories
38: 450 calories
39: 400 calories
40: 350 calories
41: 300 calories
42: 250 calories
WEEK #6
43: 200 calories
44: 200 calories
45: 250 calories
46: 200 calories
47: 300 calories
48: 200 calories
49: 150 calories
50: Fast
Tips & Tricks 76-100
*Gum. Sugarfree gum makes you think you're eating, and tastes yummy too!
* Smoking. Decreases the appetite hugely. I'm not saying start smoking but it works for me. Mind you, I have been a smoker for 4 years...
Make a website, do what I'm doing, this helps so much. It's fun, occupying and keeps the mind off food.
Water fasts. These work a treat. if you have to break a fast do it with slim-a-soup or weight watchers soup or something like that, try not to eat solids.
Try on all your clothes. This is so fun!
Keep busy. Go out with friends, phone friends, see friends, paint, draw, exercise, do makeovers, the list is endless.
Layers upon layers! Keeps you warm and hides weight loss.
Surf pro-ana sites.
If you have to eat, eat in front of a mirror. Naked. How nasty.
No laxatives, dieuretics or Ipecac syrup. I've had huge problems with all these, and they are so dangerous. You don't even lose real weight, just water from laxatives and dieuretics. Ipecac kills. Fancy that?
Keep a goal in mind. Always.
* Smoking. Decreases the appetite hugely. I'm not saying start smoking but it works for me. Mind you, I have been a smoker for 4 years...
Make a website, do what I'm doing, this helps so much. It's fun, occupying and keeps the mind off food.
Water fasts. These work a treat. if you have to break a fast do it with slim-a-soup or weight watchers soup or something like that, try not to eat solids.
Try on all your clothes. This is so fun!
Keep busy. Go out with friends, phone friends, see friends, paint, draw, exercise, do makeovers, the list is endless.
Layers upon layers! Keeps you warm and hides weight loss.
Surf pro-ana sites.
If you have to eat, eat in front of a mirror. Naked. How nasty.
No laxatives, dieuretics or Ipecac syrup. I've had huge problems with all these, and they are so dangerous. You don't even lose real weight, just water from laxatives and dieuretics. Ipecac kills. Fancy that?
Keep a goal in mind. Always.
-ok.. i know this kinda sounds wierd but i use scented candles. I have a coffee one, a vanilla truffle one, and mango peach one and they all turn my hunger off right as i smell it. lol its wierd... just figured i share it w/ ya.
-DID YOU KNOW...?
....That drinking 1/2 a litre of water boosts your metabolism by 30% ........but only for 40 minutes.
So drink a lot of water!
-tip for purgers
-put toilet paper in the bowl first to avoid the dreaded "splash back".
-well i just found the calandar on my cell (ive had if for 8 months lol) so i put a whole bunch of reminders not to eat and stuff. so the alarm goes off every 15 minutes giving me a message not to eat, or drink water, or weigh myself.Just little reminders to stay on track and such. You could put quotes, something someone said to you that really affected you, or anything you want to remind yourself about. I'll see how well this works for me. Its a tip that i havent seen anywhere else sooo yay. Maybe we could make a list of things to write reminders about or something. I'll start
*STOP EATING
*WEIGH IN
*DRINK WATER
*HUNGER HURTS BUT STARVING WORKS
*GO JOG FATTY!
*TRY ON SKINNY JEANS!
-DID YOU KNOW...?
....That drinking 1/2 a litre of water boosts your metabolism by 30% ........but only for 40 minutes.
So drink a lot of water!
-tip for purgers
-put toilet paper in the bowl first to avoid the dreaded "splash back".
-well i just found the calandar on my cell (ive had if for 8 months lol) so i put a whole bunch of reminders not to eat and stuff. so the alarm goes off every 15 minutes giving me a message not to eat, or drink water, or weigh myself.Just little reminders to stay on track and such. You could put quotes, something someone said to you that really affected you, or anything you want to remind yourself about. I'll see how well this works for me. Its a tip that i havent seen anywhere else sooo yay. Maybe we could make a list of things to write reminders about or something. I'll start
*STOP EATING
*WEIGH IN
*DRINK WATER
*HUNGER HURTS BUT STARVING WORKS
*GO JOG FATTY!
*TRY ON SKINNY JEANS!
* Take your time eating, time yourself by making dinner last 25-30 minutes, thats how long food takes to signal your system your full. -
* Cut food into tiny peices it makes you look like you had more food. -
* Eat on a dark,small plate it makes it look like your eating more so you'll trick your mind into feeling fuller after. -
* Drink one glass of water every hour. Set your watch if you need to. Ice cold water burns more calories.
* Diet sodas are great. However aspritane (what they use to add flavoring) is known to cause cancer in lab rats. And pop will rot your teeth if you have too much.
* Try to eat a small amount spread out throughout the day. Having six meals consisting of fifty calories each is a good idea. Just have something small to eat two to three hours apart. This'll also gibe your motabolism a boost.
* Drink warm liquids when you feel like you're going to binge, beef/chicken broth and coffee are good. Warm liquids expand the intestinal tract making you feel full.
* Things with alot of fibre in them will fill you up quickly.
* The later you stay up the hungier you'll get.
* Studies show that the longer you stay in a darkend room the hungrier you'll get
- Drink water whenever hungry.
- Eat infront of a miror
- Exercise Daily
- Do a hobby or a craft to keep your mind off it
- Watch a tv program you get hooked on.
- Dont eat infront of the tv though!!!!
- Paint your nails hides the discolour
- Walk the dog.
- Go out shopping.
xanga.com
Tips & tricks 26-50
26.Clench your butt all the time. Guys like a nice ass and you burn calories too.
27.Pro-plus are caffeine tablets which you can buy at most shops, no need for calorie infested coffee.
28.Get comfy in bed, being comfy means you won't want to get up to get food.
29.Use your mind. Think about what the food would look like in your stomach after you've eaten it.
30.Sabotage your food. Adding too much salt etc works great.
31.Go shopping and try on clothes that you wish you could fit in to.
32.Pinch all your fat and see how disgusting it is and then you'll think that if you eat you'll just add more to it.
33.If people start saying they're worried about your weight loss, get really upset and say how mad you get every time somebody comments on your skinny body. Complain a lot about how you wish you could gain weight so people will stop making rude comments.
34.If you eat, ONLY eat when people are watching.
35.Obesity is disgusting. Remember that.
36.Thinspiration is your best friend. You think you've lost weight? Trust me you haven't. Just check out the models online and you'll realise that.
37.Live by the scales. It's right and you're FAT.
38.Keep in mind - If your skinny friend eats a lot, that DOES NOT mean that you can do the same.
39.Learn to love that empty feeling in your stomach. Trust me you'll feel repulsed when it starts getting full again.
40.Watch what other people, especially fat people, eat and feel superior because they're feeding their bodies and getting fatter.
41.If you're hungry, spin around until you feel queasy.
42.Chew sugar free gum. It keeps your mouth busy!
43.If you eat, remember to sit down in the same place every day. Somewhere solitary; not in front of TV or computer. Eating in front of TV distracts you from your body's fullness signals, and you're more likely not to notice what you're eating.
44.A little envy is a good thing! Competition is a great mobiliser. If you're really hungry, buy a bag of low fat low cal hard candies. When you suck on them a lot your stomach will tell you that you are full.
45.If you feel like you want to eat, go to a friend's house that you cannot just raid the fridge at.
46.When you get hunger pains, curl up in a ball. It really helps them go away.
47.Try eating something fatty but healthy, (like a banana) early in the day. For the rest of the day, when you want to eat, just remind you of the fatty food you ate earlier.
48.Create a journal of some sort, whether it be online, or written. If it's written, keep it hidden. Write down everything you're feeling at that moment. Also write down how fat you feel and stuff like that. It'll take your mind off of food for a while.
49.Find someone (online or in life) that is or wants to be anorexic. Talk to each other whenever you are hungry, and help each other.
50.just came up with a random way to trick people into thinking you already ate. embaressing but, get a piece of food stuck purposely in ur teeth! People wont doubt for a second that you've been eating.
xanga.com
27.Pro-plus are caffeine tablets which you can buy at most shops, no need for calorie infested coffee.
28.Get comfy in bed, being comfy means you won't want to get up to get food.
29.Use your mind. Think about what the food would look like in your stomach after you've eaten it.
30.Sabotage your food. Adding too much salt etc works great.
31.Go shopping and try on clothes that you wish you could fit in to.
32.Pinch all your fat and see how disgusting it is and then you'll think that if you eat you'll just add more to it.
33.If people start saying they're worried about your weight loss, get really upset and say how mad you get every time somebody comments on your skinny body. Complain a lot about how you wish you could gain weight so people will stop making rude comments.
34.If you eat, ONLY eat when people are watching.
35.Obesity is disgusting. Remember that.
36.Thinspiration is your best friend. You think you've lost weight? Trust me you haven't. Just check out the models online and you'll realise that.
37.Live by the scales. It's right and you're FAT.
38.Keep in mind - If your skinny friend eats a lot, that DOES NOT mean that you can do the same.
39.Learn to love that empty feeling in your stomach. Trust me you'll feel repulsed when it starts getting full again.
40.Watch what other people, especially fat people, eat and feel superior because they're feeding their bodies and getting fatter.
41.If you're hungry, spin around until you feel queasy.
42.Chew sugar free gum. It keeps your mouth busy!
43.If you eat, remember to sit down in the same place every day. Somewhere solitary; not in front of TV or computer. Eating in front of TV distracts you from your body's fullness signals, and you're more likely not to notice what you're eating.
44.A little envy is a good thing! Competition is a great mobiliser. If you're really hungry, buy a bag of low fat low cal hard candies. When you suck on them a lot your stomach will tell you that you are full.
45.If you feel like you want to eat, go to a friend's house that you cannot just raid the fridge at.
46.When you get hunger pains, curl up in a ball. It really helps them go away.
47.Try eating something fatty but healthy, (like a banana) early in the day. For the rest of the day, when you want to eat, just remind you of the fatty food you ate earlier.
48.Create a journal of some sort, whether it be online, or written. If it's written, keep it hidden. Write down everything you're feeling at that moment. Also write down how fat you feel and stuff like that. It'll take your mind off of food for a while.
49.Find someone (online or in life) that is or wants to be anorexic. Talk to each other whenever you are hungry, and help each other.
50.just came up with a random way to trick people into thinking you already ate. embaressing but, get a piece of food stuck purposely in ur teeth! People wont doubt for a second that you've been eating.
xanga.com
Tips & tricks 1-26
pro ana tips =]
1.Eat breakfast! This gets your metabolism going.2.Eat as slowly as you can. It takes your body around 30 minutes to realise it's full. Chew until the food dissolves in your mouth.
3.Become a vegan or vegetarian.
4.Eat in front of a mirror naked.
5.Count to 100 if you're having a craving. Hopefully it will go away.
6.Put your fork down between every bite.
7.Never eat past 7 pm.
8.Wear nail polish to hide the discolouring in your nails from lack of nutrients.
9.Take anti heartburn pills if you're really hungry. They neutralize the acid that builds up and makes you hungry.
10.Keep a bin near you when you eat. If you feel you are going to over eat, throw the rest of the food away.
11.Wear a rubber band around your wrist, snap it against your skin when you're tempted to eat.
12.Drink diet soda. It'll fill you up and only has 1 calorie.
13.Clean something gross, you'll lose your appetite.
14.Brush your teeth. The taste of toothpaste will be horrid with the taste of food.
15.Every calorie counts. When you're sitting, shake your leg, tap a pencil, never stop moving.
16.Drink a glass of water every hour, not only will it make your stomach feel full, it will also give you great hydrated skin. Cold water burns more calories, while warm water makes you feel full.
17.Throw away the foods you think you'll binge on.
18.When going out, only take out the amount of money that you'll need. Nothing extra. That way you won't be tempted to spend it on food.
19.Sitting up straight and having good posture burns 10% more calories than when you slouch.
20.If you feel like eating, eat negative calorie foods only.
21.Carry a picture of your favourite trigger everywhere you go.
22.Take a sip of water between every bite.
23.Stay cold. Your body burns more calories trying to warm you up.
24.If you're binging, don't swallow the food, spit it out.
25.Eat your meals on smaller plates.
xanga.com
My top 10 reasons to be Pro ANA
- Nobody likes "The FAT chick"
- The only "fat" girl anyone notices is the one standing in their way of the thin and pretty girl.
- Being fat restricts the cloths you can buy when shopping.
- what kinds of friends are you seen with when you're fat?
- If they're thin, who do you think anyone notices?
- Thin girls have all of the fun :)
- being "pro ana" means you are PRO CONTROL
- when you're thin' you dont have to worry about people lying to you when they say you're NOT.
- Thin and Pretty means you are successful at getting what you want.
- when you jiggle, do you think people think it's sexy?
STATS
please also be reminded I've been through a lot as a person, I've overcome an abusive relationship, child birth/ pregnancy, and a bunch of other very difficult mile stones, amung all of which have change my life. My abusive ex/ daughters father, was the hardest... he broke me down and made me nothing, now I am getting back to being me. I've lost over 65lbs so far, so please don't judge. although I am FAT now, a beautiful thin girl is fighting to get out. please only post good comments.
CW: 194lbs
HW: A LOT LW: 120lbs
GW: 120lbs
STGW: 150lbs (by summer 2011)
LTGW: 135lbs (by fall of 2011)
FGW: Final goal weight. 115-120lbs (by january 2012)
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
CW: 194lbs
HW: A LOT LW: 120lbs
GW: 120lbs
STGW: 150lbs (by summer 2011)
LTGW: 135lbs (by fall of 2011)
FGW: Final goal weight. 115-120lbs (by january 2012)
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
OUR BRACELETS
red (less commonly blue): anorexia nervosapurple/ Blue : bulimia nervosagreen: binge-eatingblack: self-harm or depression
yellow: strength and hopeorange: recoveryThe most popular maker of these bracelets is BlueDragonfly. Some anorexics make their own bracelets or buy normal bracelets that happen to be in those colors.
yellow: strength and hopeorange: recoveryThe most popular maker of these bracelets is BlueDragonfly. Some anorexics make their own bracelets or buy normal bracelets that happen to be in those colors.
What is Bulimia???
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
please REMEMBER
A lot of these posts are copied from © 2010 Prothinspo, Pro-Thinspo.com, Prothinspo.com and Prothinsposhop.com
they say it best, much better than I could of, please remember that the only things that are from myself are the facts and thoughts about myself, and my life.
they say it best, much better than I could of, please remember that the only things that are from myself are the facts and thoughts about myself, and my life.
What is Anorexia????
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Deff.
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
Pro-Ana Acronyms
Pro-Ana Acronyms, ect.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Pro-Ana Acronyms, ect.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Pro-Ana Acronyms, ect.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Ana: Anorexia NervosaBulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
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