Bulimia and Anorexia
Anorexia and Bulimia are two very dangerous eating disorders which need to be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent major damage to the organs of the body. In many cases the victim does not seek help until the damage is already done and some lose their lives because of it. It is up to the families and friends to educate themselves so they can spot the signs and symptoms of these eating disorders. Many times it is hard to spot the signs because the victim hides them very well. Often they do not show signs until they have a serious health problem that requires medical attention. Eating disorders can damage every organ in the body and if it is ignored too long some of the damage can not be repaired. The brain, heart, kidneys, and liver are some organs that can be damaged beyond repair. One can not stress enough how important it is to get help for the victim as soon as possible.
Some of the signs and symptoms to watch for are lack of eating, skipping meals, eating very little at meals, spitting out food after it is chewed, vomiting (or purging), taking laxatives or enemas, looking in the mirror often, complaining about being fat often, weighing themselves often, thin appearance (if they don't hide it), dry skin, constipation, irregular heart beats, dizziness, fainting, lack of emotion, excessive exercise, osteoporosis, intolerance to the cold, abnormal blood count, thinning hair or hair breaks or falls out, soft hair all over the body, absence of menstruation (in girls), decreased testosterone (in boys), low blood pressure, and others. Damage that can be done is Anemia, heart problems such as mitral valve prolapse, heart failure, bone loss which can lead to fractures, lung problems resembling emphysema, bloating, nausea, low blood potassium, low sodium, low chloride, and kidney problems.
The public needs to know the signs and symptoms of eating disorders so we can help those who are having problems. We can all also change our habits and not stress the need to be thin so much. Since most cases of anorexia begins at an early age it is important to educate our kids so they know what the damage can do to their bodies and stress to them that it is what's inside that really counts and not what we look like on the outside. Abuse and peer pressure needs to be controlled or the statistics will continue to rise. It is up to everyone to do their part and help people understand what we are putting in our kids' minds. They are so vulnerable in their teen years and even younger. They think they have to be thin in order to fit in with the 'in' crowd.
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