...1991, 21, 577-580 Printed in Great Britain EDITORIAL Eating disorders in pregnancy1 During pregnancy, most women will experience a short-lived and benign disturbance in their normal eating patterns. The majority report the onset of cravings or aversions to certain food-stuffs while a small number indulge in pica, the consumption of non-nutritious substances such as soap or clay (Dickens & Trethowan, 1971). These disturbances usually remit after delivery and rarely give rise to physical complications for mother or foetus. However, more serious and chronic eating disorders including bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa may also occur during pregnancy. These conditions are most prevalent among women of childbearing age and some evidence suggests that both disorders can also be precipitated by pregnancy (Weinfeld et al. 1977; Price et al. 1986). The prevalence of eating disorders among pregnant women is unknown, but the low body weight and sexual inactivity of anorexic women suggests that this disorder is much less common than in the general population. Markedly reduced fertility rates have been confirmed in long-term outcome studies of these patients (Brinch et al. 1988). Comparable data are not available for bulimia, but most of these patients are of normal weight and they are more likely to be married than anorexics. Although the prevalence rate for bulimia in women is approximately 1 % (King, 1986; JohnsonSabine et al. 1988), and partial syndromes are also common, no cases...
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...Why does food become a deadly enemy for some people? Well, society continues to send the message to young women and even to a small number young men (more and more men are becoming victims of eating disorders these days) that to be happy and successful one must be thin, which causes them to starve and/or binge and purge themselves in an attempt to gain what the media considers an ideal figure. The media is full of "toothpick" thin models, in which women desire to be like. Women often need to be in the feel of being in control, it is an ongoing battle they encounter with perfection. Bulimia nervosa is a disorder with psychological, and physiological effects. It is an eating disorder, common especially among young women of normal weight, that is characterized by episodic binge eating. Bingeing is defined as the rapid consumption of a large amount of food, often a bulimic person will eat more in two hours than a normal person would consume in an entire day. Binges are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, loss of control, anxiety and depression. These negative feelings, especially anxiety and shame lead to bulimic behaviors, such as purging. The most common purging behavior is vomiting, which is a way to dispose of the calories and fat taken in that causes weight gain orally. The other way of deposing calories and fat are the use of laxatives, it is not as common as vomiting. There is more pain caused to the anus when using laxatives, then there is pain to the throat when vomiting...
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...Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging, or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed, typically by vomiting, taking a laxative, diuretic, or stimulant, and/or excessive exercise, because of an extensive concern for body weight. Many individuals with bulimia nervosa also have an additional psychiatric disorder. Some individuals may tend to alternate between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. Bulimia is also commonly accompanied with fasting over an extended period of time. These dangerous, habit-forming practices occur while the sufferer is trying to keep their weight under a self-imposed threshold. It can lead to potassium loss and health deterioration, with depressive symptoms that are often severe and lead to a high risk of suicide. Bulimia nervosa is nine times more likely to occur in women than men. The majority of those with bulimia nervosa are at normal weight. The majority, about 80 to almost 90 percent of individuals with bulimia are women. However, males do develop the disorder and some studies suggest that the prevalence among males is higher than previously believed. Among women, adolescents are the most at risk. A survey of 496 adolescent girls reported that more than 12 percent experienced some form of eating disorder by the time they were 20. Over the years the size and weight of the average woman has increased with improved nutrition, but there...
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...way they are now” (Goodman 79). Young girls and women strive to look like the models they see in magazines, and unrealistic body images promote dangerous eating disorders; therefore, photographers and magazine editors should not be able to photoshop pictures of women. To start out, anorexia nervosa is one of the two most common eating disorders. Anorexia is a disorder that makes one scared to gain weight, therefore, they starve themselves and go to an extreme with dieting and exercising. In fact, they are almost always hungry and thinking about food, even as the disorder impels them to deny their bodies the fuel needed to function properly. (Walsh, Cameron 62,63) It starts out as a diet, but because they have a fear of gaining weight the diet can spiral out of control. They may be bone thin but they can continue to eliminate more and more food, over time or they will eat very little or nothing at all. (Fanning n. pag.) In addition, bulimia is the second most common. Bulimia is a disorder in which one will eat an excessive amount of food, and then to get rid of the calories they purge or use laxatives to prevent weight gain. Even though both eating disorders are harmful, doctors say bulimia is the more dangerous one because it is not as noticeable. (Klein 27, 28) Bulimics often try to have their weight at an unhealthy number, because their mind is telling them they are fat, when they are not even close. Some health effects of anorexia and...
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...The Effects of Exercise in Obese Women with Bulimia Nervosa Eating disorder and Obesity characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating are also part of a range of weight related problems. Life is a constant battle between the desires to lose weight. The dissatisfaction and unhealthy dieting practices are linked to the development of eating disorders, obesity and other problems. Obesity is the number one problem for those who are in a constant battle; many obese people who lose large amounts of weight and gain it back think it is their fault. They blame themselves for not having the will power to keep the weight off. Many people regain more weight than they lost because they become obsessed with food. A person who suffers from obesity follows an unhealthy diet, and has an eating disorder all at the same time, and that is how they eventually end up with Bulimia. This illness which is when the person binges on food or has regular episodes of over eating and feels out of control. The person then uses different method such as vomiting or abusing laxatives to prevent weight gain. The case study that I am going to be researching and writing a paper on is Bulimia nervosa and how it can be extremely harmful for the body. The study focuses on how physical exercise can help overweight patients with bulimia. Also whether it is beneficial or if it is not beneficial for those who suffer from it. This case also demonstrated what physical exercise can do to them in six weeks which is...
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...eating disorder. [24 marks] Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by recurrent binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting or another compensatory behaviour (purging). One psychological explanation of bulimia nervosa is the functional model which was created by Polivy et al. in 1994. This model suggests that individuals engage in the binge-eating associated with BN as a way of coping with identity problems, particularly those associated with self-image. By overeating the person can attribute any resulting distress to the overeating rather than to the more serious underlying issues associated with threats to their emotional well-being. This led to the view that bulimic binge behaviour was purposeful for individuals dealing with life stressors. The functional model assumes that individuals with BN engage in binge-eating as a way of avoiding identity issues. Wheeler et al. (2001) proposed that negative self-image and a desire to escape from difficult life issues predicted the onset of bulimic behaviour, the consequence of which was a diffuse-avoidant identity style. Individuals in this state feel externally controlled, use emotion-focused rather than problem-focused coping strategies, and avoid the exploration of identity issues. Consequently they maintain a negative self-image and feel socially isolated. Polivy et al. provided evidence for the claim that BN is a functional response in an experimental study of the effects of stress on dieters. Compared...
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...Abstract The main purpose of this extended project dissertation is as following: to explore the causes of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, in particular the biological, psychological and societal causes. Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in today’s society and the causes of theses disorders are not completely known. This essay explores the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the risks and consequences of suffering from such disorders. The essay also concentrates upon how eating disorders are gradually affecting more and more men and children – something that was not often seen before. The main focus of this project is to discover whether the causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa stem from pre-dispositions which are linked with the body and mind or rather stemmed from society. The main biological reasons which the essay focuses on are; damaged hypothalamuses and genetic hereditariness. The main environmental causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa that I have studied are media influences and undesirable conditions for raising children. In writing this project I believe that I have developed valuable skills that I will need in my subjects which include; being able to extract key information from large pieces of text, researching, speedy note taking and the ability to weigh up two sides of an argument fairly and without bias. I am also aware that the skills I am developing while writing this dissertation...
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...Abstract Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which is associated with several adolescent and young adult. This disorder is usually associated with female adolescents, and it is very difficult for an individual to notice that an adolescent has bulimia nervosa. Many adolescents are suffering from bulimia because of poor perception them about themselves, and the media also has great influence for the cause of bulimia. There is a high increase for adolescents who are suffering from bulimia and majority seek help whiles others battle with this disorder without being notice. There are several options for treatment but parent and family has a great influence in treatment for an adolescent with this disorder. The Christian has a little influence on bulimia nervosa and eating disorder among adolescents, because they are more focused on teenager’s alcohol and drugs. Topic Paper: Adolescence and Bulimia Nervosa Most adolescent believe in having good body image. For the adolescent a good image is being skinny, and having size two body types as seem on television. Body image is the subjective concept of an adolescent physical appearance based on their self-observation and their reaction with others. Adolescence perception about their self is based on their inner sensations and functioning as well as their function derived from external environment. Since most adolescents want to have the perfect body type, they will do anything to have the right body image. Most teenagers role...
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...The Causes and Effects of Bulimia The cause of bulimia nervosa is not scientifically clear. This disorder is most common in young women, such as college or high school students. It has been assumed that it is the result of family behaviors, genetics, social values, or things such as perfectionism. Many people believe they are not accepted, are stressed, or possibly because of biological makeup. Bulimia nervosa is a very complex physical and psychological condition and has many long-term effects. Bulimia nervosa can ultimately lead to infertility. Infertility is the inability of a person to reproduce naturally. As a teenager or college student, infertility is not a thought in their minds but as they grow older it becomes more apparent that they will not be able to conceive. When they get married and try to start a family, this effect of bulimia can cause sorrow, anger, or even frustration. This can ultimately cause divorce. Infertility is just one effect of bulimia nervosa. Another effect of bulimia would be a heart attack. A heart attack is when the oxygen that is brought to your heart ceases. While most people associate heart attacks with heart or chest issues, heart attacks can be caused by the electrolyte imbalance that follows purging, or making yourself vomit. Heart attacks are deadly, but if survived they are followed by anxiety, depression, or even risk of another heart attack. Heart attacks are survivable, although they come with long-term complications....
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...psychological disorder include Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge eating. Anorexia is found in a person who refuses to eat or eats a minimal amount to cause severe weight loss. Bulimia involves a person who consumes a large amount of food and then seeks to purge himself of the caloric intake. Most commonly this is accomplished by vomiting. The third type, binge eating, is similar to bulimia accept in this particular case there is no attempt by the individual to compensate for the caloric intake. In the following research paper the causes, clinical findings, and treatment of each of these disorders will be discussed to determine how each varies from one another. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder that is caused by self-induced starvation resulting in severe weight loss. It is considered a psychological disorder because it primarily affects healthy young individuals, mostly commonly young women, who have developed an obsession with becoming thin. It is estimated that 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime (Stunkard, J. A., & Wilson, T., 2008.) The exact cause is not known, but attitudes towards physical appearance and family issues effect its development. Feasting on large amounts of food and then vomiting or use of laxatives are behaviors that may accompany this disorder (Bellenir, K., 2005.) Significant weight loss resulting from excessive dieting or exercise is common in these patients. Most women and an increasing number of men are...
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...“Running Head: Literature Review: BULIMIA NERVOSA \ Literature Review: Bulimia Nervosa BACKGROUND Bulimia nervosa is an illness defined by food binges, or recurrent episodes of significant overeating, that are accompanied by a sense of loss of control (Medical Encyclopedia ) 90 percent of people with bulimia are women; but bulimia affects people from all walks of life, including males, women of color, and even older women. (Wolfe 2007). My research will concentrate on young women who suffer from the disease. This concern came about after a close family member was diagnosed two years ago and now suffers extensively with multiple organs in her body being affected. My research with try to uncover the cause that leads to the disorder, the conditions that are associated and they avenues that can be used to overcome and lead a normal life that takes the focus off size and image and focus on achievement of self worth. LITERATURE Twelve forms of sources were used for this investigate research of bulimia nervosa. The sources included a telephone interview with, Beth Brown from Brooklyn, NY, the mother of the young lady who inspired by researching this disease. Ten articles that were retrieved from the internet after using bulimia nervosa as the phrase on several search engines and two articles that were biographies written by suffers of bulimia. Two of the articles came from MedicineNet.com. The first outlined and defined causes, diagnoses, complications and...
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...Bulimia nervosa, more commonly known as the binge and purge disorder, it’s a deadly mental disorder that affects 1 in 4 college aged women. This disease affects both the mind and body, and eventually does severe damage to both. The fear of gaining weight and the need to have a perfect body has led many down the self-destructive pathway of bulimia. This is a secretive eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of excessive eating, followed by self-induced vomiting to rid the body of food. Bulimics also frequently use laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills to lose weight. Unlike people with anorexia nervosa, you cannot easily identify people with bulimia based on their weight and public eating behavior. A lot of times body weights are somewhere in...
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...Mental Illness Paper In this paper we will explore the background of Bulimia nervosa, myths, misconceptions, and past treatments. We will discuss the different symptoms, signs, neurotransmitters that may be associated with the illness. The paper will go over the ways that this mental disorder can be treated, and the ways that the environment in which the person may live could have direct effects to the success or failure of their treatment. Describe the way the illness is treated in todays’ society verses the way that this illness was treated in the past. What is Bulimia nervosa which means (ravenous hunger) in latin it is a type of eating disorder, which is potentially life threatening disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2012). Many people with Bulimia take dangerous methods to hide the disorder, from family and friends. People with this mental illness tend to eat large amounts of food at a time this is called Binging (Mayo Clinic, 2012). The second step to this disorder would be Purging bulimia (Mayo Clinic, 2012). The purging part of bulimia would be when a person regularly makes themselves through up even in times when they do not need to (Mayo Clinic, 2012). The other side of Bulimia is non-purging bulimia, which is when the person decides to go about other methods to get rid of calories (Mayo Clinic, 2012). For example, they over exercise, start fasting just to lose weight or to cut calories. The history of bulimia could be dated back as early as 1398 in an English translation of an...
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...Bulimia Nervosa 2 As many know the definition of Bulimia Nervosa is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels loss of control. The person uses different methods such as vomiting or abusing laxatives to prevent weigh gain . Many people who suffer from this illness also have anorexia nervosa, but not all are in this statistic (“Bulimia,2012). Bulimia effects more women then it does men and this illness is more common in adolescent girls and young women. Usually the affected person is aware that their eating pattern is abnormal and may have a feeling of guilt or fear with the binge-purge episodes (“Bulimia,2012). The majority of the time the exact cause of bulimia is unknown genetic, psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors can play a role. This is likely due to more than one factor. Bulimia Nervosa is derived from the Greek boulimia; ravenous hunger, a compound of bous, ox-limos, hunger ( “Bulimia Nervosa Background and History”, N.D.). Romans were known to tickle their throats with feathers after each meal they consumed to induce vomiting which aloud them to return to a gluttonous feasting. They did this to enhance the enjoyment...
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...more than three times as likely to develop diabetes. Obesity is associated with unhealthy cholesterol levels and impaired heart function. It is estimated that if all Americans had a healthy body composition, the incidence of coronary heart disease would drop by 25%. Other health risks associated with obesity include hypertension, many kinds of cancer, impaired immune function, gallbladder and kidney diseases, and bone and joint disorders. These risks from obesity increase with its severity, and they are much more likely to occur in people who are more than twice their desirable body weight. The effects of obesity on health were further clarified by the Nurses’ Health Study, in which Harvard researchers have followed more than 120,000 women for over 16 years. It found that even mildly overweight women had an 80% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to leaner women. This study also confirmed that to reduce the risk of dying prematurely of any cause, maintaining a desirable body weight is important. The distribution of body fat is also an important indicator of future health. People who tend to gain weight in the abdominal area have a risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke twice as high as those who tend to gain weight in the hip area. The reason for this increased risk is not entirely clear, but it appears that fat in the abdomen is more easily mobilized and sent into the bloodstream, increasing disease-related blood fat...
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