Eating disorders - part 3
26.05.2010
, aktualizacja: 28.05.2010 10:33
What Causes Anorexia and Bulimia? There's no clearly-set reason as for what causes eating disorders. People who develop the condition most often are teenagers between the age of 14 and 18.
One of the reasons why they might suffer from the disease is that they go through a lot of changes during puberty - both physical and emotional. It is especially difficult for girls who gain some weight - which is perfectly normal and healthy at this age - and try to lose it, whatever the cost may be. They don't feel in control of anything. So in order to regain some control over their lives - they start from controlling their bodies - by starving themselves.
Other reasons for developing anorexia or bulimia might be as follows:
- depression
- a relative suffering from an eating disorder, so there may be a genetic factor
- pressure from the parents concerning anything - from good marks at school to being slim and attractive etc.
- practising sport.
Although the latter may seem strange it is a fact that some sport disciplines, with specific weight categories or where weight loss is important, may also lead to eating disorders. Especially when boys or girls practising them are taught that to win is the most important thing...
Effects of Eating Disorders
Whatever the cause of an eating disorder, the effects can be damaging - if not downright devastating and life threatening. People who weigh at least 15% less than the normal weight for their height damage the organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
The direct effects of anorexia are:
- a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
- in case of girls it can result in stopping their period
- anaemia (lack of red blood cells)
- swollen joints
- brittle bones
- falling out hair
- breaking off fingernails
- growing of a soft hair called lanugo all over the skin.
Anorexic often feel light-headed and have problems with concentrating.
The results of bulimia are:
Other reasons for developing anorexia or bulimia might be as follows:
- depression
- a relative suffering from an eating disorder, so there may be a genetic factor
- pressure from the parents concerning anything - from good marks at school to being slim and attractive etc.
- practising sport.
Although the latter may seem strange it is a fact that some sport disciplines, with specific weight categories or where weight loss is important, may also lead to eating disorders. Especially when boys or girls practising them are taught that to win is the most important thing...
Effects of Eating Disorders
Whatever the cause of an eating disorder, the effects can be damaging - if not downright devastating and life threatening. People who weigh at least 15% less than the normal weight for their height damage the organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
The direct effects of anorexia are:
- a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
- in case of girls it can result in stopping their period
- anaemia (lack of red blood cells)
- swollen joints
- brittle bones
- falling out hair
- breaking off fingernails
- growing of a soft hair called lanugo all over the skin.
Anorexic often feel light-headed and have problems with concentrating.
The results of bulimia are:
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