In a society where physical image is of high importance, many people fall victim trying to meet the criteria. But when an obsession with weight goes far beyond a trip to the gym and a healthy eating routine, serious problems arise.
Two familiar eating disorders continue to be prevalent amongst young people – anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes someone to obsess about their weight, making them starve themselves or exercise excessively. People suffering from anorexia nervosa generally try to keep a weight that is below normal for their height and age. This disorder affects both sexes, but more often females between ages 12 and 25.
Bulimia is an eating disorder that causes a person to binge and purge – eating a large amount of food then trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy manner such as vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
While there are no definite causes for an eating disorder, some people believe society’s influence plays a major role.
“I believe [eating disorders] are a mixture of self perception and what society thinks is beautiful. People today, believe that being like skinny thin models is what society thinks is sexy,” Jacqueline Small, a senior in communications, said.
“Eating disorders are a serious condition, which if left untreated can lead to death,” said Dr. Carolyn Garrett-Piggott, a physician at N.C. State’s Student Health Center. “Eating disorders are not a normal part of life or a dietary trend.”
Risk factors of eating disorders are family history of eating disorders, societal or peer pressure to be thin, emotional stress and family influence. People most prone to an eating disorder are young females and athletes, according to Garrett-Piggott.
“I think that anorexia nervosa and bulimia are becoming more and more common because of the media. The media relates the message that you have to look a certain way that is unrealistic to be accepted,” Sam Bagheri, a senior in biological sciences, said.
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia are extreme weight loss, fatigue, hair thinning, dry skin, dizziness, refusal to eat, irritability, flat mood or lack of emotion, skipping meals, complaining or worrying about being fat, not wanting to eat in public, eating large portions of food at one sitting, excessive exercising and use of dietary supplements, laxatives or diuretic medications for weight loss.
“They [eating disorders] require treatment just like any other medical or psychological problem,” Dr. Garrett-Piggott said.
She recommends that if someone is experiencing problems with an eating disorder or thinks a friend is, that person or friend should seek treatment.
For on campus treatment, the Student Health Center provides comprehensive medical evaluations, and the Counseling Center and Nutritional Counseling are also available for further recommendations. Visiting a personal doctor or counselor is also an outlet for treatment.
Dr. Garrett-Piggott said, treatment is key.
“Early treatment is really important,” she said.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia can be treated through several different types of treatment. The severity of someone’s eating disorder determines what kind of treatment is necessary.
In situations of immediate danger, emergency hospital treatment is needed. For less severe instances, medical care, psychotherapy and weight restoration are treatment options.
The Mayo Clinic stresses that the hardest challenge for someone struggling with an eating disorder is denial. Often, the patient does not feel they have a problem or need treatment. Some people promote their lifestyle choice – many pro-anorexia websites can be found on the Internet.
Eating disorders are a continuous and lifelong battle for those suffering from it. Practicing positive coping methods, engaging in healthy relationships and managing stress are helpful in avoiding relapses.
