The results of anorexia or bulimia can have long lasting and devastating effects on your body. Either of these disorders can have negative effects on the body which include: malnutrition, dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, acid reflux, dry skin, hair, and nails, swelling of the face and cheeks, sallow colored skin, teeth erosion, laxative dependence, toxicity, amenorrhea, diabetes, low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, damage to internal organs, and death.

Both of these disorders are closely related. Anorexics are far more likely to become bulimic, as starvation forces the issue. Those with the disorder are far more likely to crave food so badly that they have to eat eventually, which can lead to bulimia.

Anorexics typically don’t eat. They pick at food and watch their calorie intake like a hawk. Bulimics, on the other hand, eat a lot to compensate for when they don’t eat, and will purge or take excessive amounts of laxatives after they go on an eating binge.

Both anorexia and bulimia usually stem from control issues. Many times, there is an overwhelming general feeling that life is out of control. Those with these disorders compensate for those feelings by controlling the one area of their life that they can control, their food intake.

Those with anorexia or bulimia hide or hoard food, seem very secretive, count calories, and are totally consumed by food. Every waking moment becomes a constant struggle the more food consumes their lives.

To compensate, they begin planning menus, checking out new recipes, going grocery shopping, and fixing food for others to enjoy. They may also become loners in school or other group oriented places. They enjoy their time alone and make excuses not to socialize. They may lose their close friends. They become afraid to admit what’s going on inside of them to loved ones and disguise their weight by wearing baggy clothes.

Exercise is also a big part of both disorders. When they’re not planning their next meal, they are exercising on the bed, running miles, or participating in other sports related activities. However, exercise is partially done in secret. They want to hide how much they are actually doing!

On the other hand, they also might be quite good at some type of skill that does not involve food at all. They might enroll in school, play in a band, be artistically inclined, or anything that keeps their hands busy. As long as they’re busy, they aren’t eating! When they get alone however, they quickly turn to their obsession for food.

Parents raise their children by feeding them healthy and nutritious foods. It is normal for parents to want to feed their children. This is inborn. Food is a focus for us naturally. When our children don’t eat, we are denied the simple pleasures that feeding our family can give.

This is one major dilemma that we face as parents with children who have anorexia or bulimia. After all, food consumption is a large part of who we are as providers.

Eating Disorder Facts

Starvation dieting can actually make you gain weight. If you deprive your body of food, your body goes into the starvation mode and holds onto your fat. Our bodies will fight hard to protect us.

It is much better to eat several small meals during the day. That way your body won’t be in the starvation mode and hold onto fat. You are also depriving your body of its nutrition if you don’t eat or purge up what you do eat. Your body and organs will begin to shut down. Your skin will become sallow and dull. The healthy complexion you once had is now a past memory.

Fruit is a natural fibrous food and will not make you gain weight. You will not gain weight if you eat a well-balanced healthy diet. Eat a little of this and a little of that. I am 5′6″ and weigh around 115 pounds. I am 48 years old and have been able to keep the weight off of me year after year by simply eating right and getting some exercise. If I can do it, so can you.

It is important to note that eating disorders have one of the highest death rates of all. The Eating Disorders Association of the UK estimates it at 10%. An 18% mortality rate has been suggested for anorexia. The rate for bulimia is much lower than for anorexia. These death rates are higher than for those with some forms of Cancer.

Whatever you do, if you have anorexia or bulimia, get help today. There are some wonderful online resources if you just look. Don’t play with fire! Do something today to change your future.

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