EATING DISORDERS

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Eating disorders are mental disorders that affect both male and females of the population. The four types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Essentially all four of these types of eating disorders have similar symptoms and causes, some can be very similar and very few are different. The exact cause of eating disorders is not quite understood yet, however there is actual evidence that seems to link the cause to other medical conditions and situations. Treatment varies depending on what eating disorder it is, and for the most part more than one treatment option is utilized. The treatment mostly revolves around various types of therapies and inpatient care.

What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are conditions of abnormal eating habits. They can involve either insufficient or excessive intakes of food. This can damage the physical and mental health of a human being. Eating Disorders are a significant issue in modern society that usually are often undetected and belittled. These disorders can be potentially life threatening and can cause social, emotional, mental, and physical problems; Resulting in complications of living a normal life for the affected person with an eating disorder. Both males and females are affected, however it does seem to affect more females than males. According to the health website WebMD “90% of people with and eating disorder are girls,” (2013). Eating disorders are most common in teens.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are four types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Both anorexia and bulim...

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... binge eating involve obesity and the following: high blood pressure, musculoskeletal problems, high cholesterol levels, gallbladder disease, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. High cholesterol levels can eventually lead to a clogged artery, which can be deadly. The binge and purge cycles of bulimia nervosa can be extremely harmful to the body. The digestive system can be damaged and there can be an electrolyte or chemical imbalance in the body that can potentially affect the heart and other major, vital organs of the body. The imbalance of electrolytes can lead to irregular heartbeats and possible heart failure and death. The esophagus can become inflamed and possibly rupture from all the recurrent vomiting. Constipation and chronic irregular bowel movements can result from laxative abuse. EDNOS have the same health consequences as anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

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