Anorexia and Bulimia

ANOREXIA Anorexia or other wise know as Anorexia Nervosa, is a condition characterized by fear of gaining weight or becoming obese, as well as a distorted body image or in other words, someone who thinks that they are fat when they are probably already too thin. Such a distorted image can lead to an excessive weight loss from stopping food intake and or excessive exercise. Anorexia nervosa is not associated with any preexisting physical illness. …

…It can, however, cause gastrointestinal problems and serious potassium depletion, and teeth may be damaged due to the acid of the regurgitated food. Bulimia usually develops during childhood (most commonly among females) as a result of psychological pressures, the most obvious one being the emphasis on the desire of being slim. Behavioral therapy can be used in treating the disorder. Because patients with bulimia often suffer from depression as well, antidepressant drugs may be effective.