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We all know
that certain cultural patterns have caused
thinness to become a synonym of social success.
Many of our youths struggle to achieve the
"ideal body" motivated by models,
artists, or commercial advertising. Many
believe that the world belongs to the thin.
Others, having a natural weight that exceeds
the standards of thinness imposed by the
society, become depressed and consider themselves
losers. At present, BULIMIA
and ANOREXIA NERVOSA, two complex
eating disorders, have become a real problem
for the young people in the world.
Self-Evaluation
Quiz
•
Are you constantly thinking about your weight
and shape?
• Are you dieting and lost a lot of
weight?
• Are you more than 10% below your
healthy weight?
• Are people concerned about your
weight?
• Is your energy level down?
• Are you cold?
• Are your periods normal? ( for females
only )
• Are you overeating and feeling out
of control?
• Are you vomiting, using laxatives
or water pills, herbal agents, or trying
to fast?
• Are you experience physical problems
or are people concerned because of your
excessive exercise?
• Is your weight repeatedly fluctuating?
• Does all of the above interfere
with you enjoying life, relationships, or
everyday functioning.
If you answered
yes to any of these questions you may have
an eating disorder.
If you answered yes to more than 5, we would
encourage you to get a professional evaluation
BULIMIA |
ANOREXIA |
Disordered
behavior |
Disordered
behavior |
| Constant
concern about food (talks about weight,
calories, food, dieting…). Binge
eating. Compulsive eating. Hiding of
food. Fear of putting on weight. The
person avoids going to restaurants,
parties, or meetings where he/she may
be socially obliged to eat; and goes
to the bathroom after eating. Self-induced
vomiting; laxative and diuretic abuse.
Use of medication to loose weight. Strict
dieting. Addictive behavior with edulcorants |
Restrictive
eating behavior (consumption of small
amounts of food) or strict dieting.
Rituals with food: calorie-counting,
cutting food into very small pieces,
cooking for others without eating oneself,...
Intense fear to become fat, fighting
to maintain weight under normal limits.
Fear to see one self obliged to eat
in social events (parties, family meetings…).
Hyperactivity (practicing sports or
doing gym in excess). Concealing one’s
body under very loose clothes. Refusing
to wear a bathing-suit and fear to show
one’s body. Occasionally, binge
eating and diuretic and laxative abuse.
Abuse of sweeteners. |
Physiological
signs |
Physiological
signs |
| Parotid
inflammation. Small vascular cracks
on the face and under the eyes. Chronic
throat irritation. Fatigue and muscular
pain. Loss of dental pieces without
apparent cause. Weight variations (5
or 10 kg, upwards or downwards). |
Progressive
weight loss (frequently occurring in
a short period). Lack of menses or delay
in its appearance without known physiological
cause. Pallor, loss of hair, sense of
coldness, and bluish fingers. Weakness
and dizziness. |
Change
of attitude |
Change
of attitude |
| Change
of mood (depression, feelings of guilt
and self-hatred, sadness, feeling of
being out of control…). Severe
self-criticism. Need to receive others’
approval. Changes in self-esteem regarding
one’s body weight. |
Change
of mood (irritability, rage). Feeling
depressed. Feelings of insecurity regarding
one’s own capacity. Feelings of
guilt and self-contempt for having eaten
or for fasting. Social isolation. |
IF
THEY ARE NOT TREATED!
They may
die as a result of the illness. Their health
is in danger.
They will have problems at school, at work,
with their families and society. They will
loose their self-esteem and their personality
will be impaired. They will not achieve
independence or autonomy. They are likely
not to achieve the necessary social insertion.
After some time, they start having a very
low quality of life; suicidal ideas or attempts
may occur.
IT
IS NOT POSSIBLE TO FIGHT ALONE!
The patients
and their families’ power are not
enough. Everybody’s help is needed:
that of an organized institution; an interdisciplinary
team specialized in eating disorders; a
self-help group that may encourage the patient
to develop his/her life project; a parent
self-help group that may optimize not only
communication skills and family interaction,
but also the personal development of each
one of its members; and a group of friends
who may understand the illness and contribute
to the patient’s recovery.
"Don’t
forget that an early diagnosis is the first
step towards recovery"
HOW TO GET HELP!
It is important
to detect as soon as possible signs that
may indicate the presence of Bulimia or
Anorexia.
If you notice suspicious attitudes, don’t
hide them; tell the family about them. If
you have any doubt, consult a specialist.
“NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ANOREXIA
NERVOSA
AND ASSOCIATED DISORDERS”
WWW.ANAD.ORG
OR
(847)831-3438
SPIRITUAL
HELP
1866-467-3669
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