(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Eating Disorders In Women


            Each year, millions of people in the United States are affected by serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorders. The vast majority of those afflicted with eating disorders are adolescent and young adult women. One reason that women in this age group are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. Researchers have found that stringent dieting can play a key role in triggering eating disorders. .
             Approximately one percent of adolescent girls develop anorexia nervosa, a dangerous condition in which they can literally starve themselves to death. Another two to three percent of young women develop bulimia nervosa, a destructive pattern of excessive overeating followed by vomiting or other "purging" behaviors to control their weight. These eating disorders also occur in men and older women, but much less frequently. .
             The consequences of eating disorders can be severe. For example, one in ten cases of bulimia leads to death from cardiac arrest or other medical complications, or suicide. Fortunately, increasing awareness of the dangers of eating disorders-sparked by medical studies and extensive media coverage of the illness- has lead many people to seek help. Nevertheless, some people with eating disorders refuse to admit that they have a problem and do not get treatment. Family members and friends can help recognize the problem and encourage the person to seek treatment. .
             People with bulimia nervosa consume large amounts of food and rid their bodies of the excess calories by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking enemas, or exercising obsessively. Some use a combination of all these forms of purging. Because many individuals with bulimia "binge and purge" in secret and maintain normal or above normal body weight, they often successfully hide their problem from others for years. Many individuals who suffer from bulimia retain their normal weight, but warning signs include frequent dieting, secretive eating of high caloric food, extreme concern over weight, shape, and body, disappearing after a binge to secretly purge, and depressed moods.


Essays Related to Eating Disorders In Women


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question