Just like the common problems of drug and alcohol addiction, Eating Disorder is a very common phenomenon all over the world. Over 5 to 10 million women in the US are reported to be having such eating disorders while more than 1 million men in the US are also suffering the same disorders. The statistics is almost the same in Europe and all other continents of the world.
Currently, there are basically three main kinds of Eating Disorders. These include:
- Anorexia
This is a typical kind of eating disorder that is characterized by a refusal to eat normally. This does not suggest that the individual does not eat at all, but his or her refusal attitude toward food leads to visible weight lost in the person’s life. Anorexia is most times as a result of too much physical activities, depression or low self-esteem. - Bulimia
Bulimia refers to the habit of overeating. People with such eating disorder usually consume large amount of food at a time without qualms of consciousness. Oftentimes, people with this disorder make up for their overeating habit through various means such as: self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, misuse of diet pills and by fasting. - Binge Eating
Binge Eating is also referred to as “Compulsive Overeating”. Binge eating is therefore the habit of excessive eating. People in this category don’t try to compensate for their over-eating habit like in the case of Bulimic people; instead, such people wallow in feeling of shame often caused by repeated episodes of excessive overeating.
The Causes
The causes of Eating Disorders vary from person to person. However, medical experts in the field have pin-pointed some factors that could be responsible for such disorders. These include: biological and psychological factors, social isolations, parental influence, peer pressures, and cultural pressure. These are the basic factors. However, the conditions and dispositions of the individual involved also matter a lot.
Treatment
Eating Disorders could be treated or handled in a variety of ways that mainly relate to psychotherapy rather than medication. In fact, there are no real medicines for the treatment of such disorders. Major treatment of Eating Disorders involves: cognitive behavioral therapy, Family therapy, Nutrition therapy and self help groups such as “overeaters Anonymous that uses the traditional “12 Step” program.
In all these treatment options; the help of a qualified psychotherapist is required. Such an expert engages the tool of “one on one counseling” and public enlightenment in handling such cases relating to Eating Disorders.
In conclusion, Eating Disorders are real in the world today. But the good news is that such habits could be overcome and properly dealt with though the process may require some time to be completed.
