by Dr. Adina McGarr | Jun 6, 2010 | Eating Disorders
Individuals suffering from bulimia find themselves caught in the devastating and addictive binge-purge cycle. Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by harmful compensatory behaviors in an effort to prevent weight gain.
A binge episode is defined as the intake of an inordinately large amount of food, in a discrete amount of time (usually less than two hours), in which the individual experiences a sense of a lack of control over eating. Inappropriate compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain includes self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and/or medications. Similar to anorexia, the individual is overly concerned with body shape and weight and experiences a distorted body image.
Some medical complications may include:
• Acid Reflux
• Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle)
• Bone density problems (Osteoporosis)
• Bruising of the skin
• Cardiovascular problems
• Dehydration
• Dental problems
• Digestive difficulties
• Dry skin, hair, and nails and hair loss
• Edema (Swelling of soft tissues resulting from excess water accumulation from laxative or diuretic abuse)
• Electrolyte Imbalances
• Gastrointestinal complaints (cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, incontinence)
• Hypo- and Hyperglycemia (low/high blood sugar)
• Hyponatremia (low sodium)
• Infertility
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Ketoacidosis (high level of acids build up when the bosy burns fat instead of sugar/carbs)
• Kidney infection and failure
• Lanugo (soft downy hair on face, back, and arms)
• Liver failure
• Low blood pressure or hypotension
• Low body temperature
• Low platelet count
• Malnutrition
• Muscle Atrophy
• Pancreatitis
• Parotid gland swelling
• Seizures
• Sleep problems
• Tearing of esophagus
• Weakness and fatigue
by Dr. Adina McGarr | Jun 6, 2010 | Eating Disorders
Bigorexia/Muscle Dysmorphia
Individuals suffering from bigorexia also known as muscle dysmorphia, constantly worry about being too small and frail looking and are obsessed with gaining muscle mass. Though this disorder is more common in men, it also occurs in women. Steroid use is not uncommon, as these individuals will take dramatic measures to achieve their goals. However, similar to anorexia, where an individual never feels thin enough, individuals with muscle dysmorphia often do not feel big enough, despite intense body building regimes and strict, rigid diets. Daily life is consumed with obsessions about exercise, food, and feelings of inadequacy. Similar to other eating disorders, social, psychological, and occupational functioning are often significantly impaired and health complications abound.
by Dr. Adina McGarr | Jun 3, 2010 | Eating Disorders
Orthorexia Nervosa
Orthorexia Nervosa is not as well known or discussed as Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa, nor is it a recognized medical diagnosis, meaning that, to date, insurance companies will not reimburse for the treatment of orthorexia. This disorder has things in common with other eating disorders, but differs in important ways. Persons suffering from orthorexia find themselves compulsively obsessed with eating pure and healthy food. This might include organic or other foods sold in health stores. This obsession is frequently so intense that when rules are broken, individuals feel compelled to punish themselves, often by maintaining an even stricter diet or by fasting.
Individuals struggling with orthorexia obsess over what is eaten, how much of it is eaten and how it was prepared. This obsession with food takes over a person’s life, often disabling them to live any type of ordinary life, as their life becomes secondary to the obsession with food. Social relationships are compromised, occupational difficulties can ensue, and depression and anxiety are common. These individuals often need the help of a psychologist or the assistance of an eating disorder treatment center to recover.
