Eating Disorders

There is a lot of talk about being healthy these days. Eating light, dieting, aerobic exercises and running are popular ways to keep your body healthy. Maintaining the right weight for your body size and build is a healthy thing to do. Eating well-balanced meals in reasonable amounts is the best way to stay healthy.

Eating or not eating to feel better about you or to avoid feelings is not healthy. This use of food is called an eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder in which people think they are too heavy but they really are quite thin and they try to starve themselves or eat very little because they do not want to gain any weight. People who do this are called anorexic.

Bulimia is an eating disorder in which people make themselves throw up their food after eating just to make sure they will not gain any weight. People who do this are called bulimic.

Some people have a problem with Compulsive Overeating. This is a condition in which people eat more and more and become heavier and heavier. Often this kind of eating disorder is not because the person is hungry (although they might say or think they are hungry) but for many different reasons such as they are upset or worried about something, need attention or do not feel good about them.

Trying to handle weight problems with fad diets or miracle cures is not usually successful. Your body needs balanced nutrition in order to function at its best. Dealing with weight problems and eating disorders can be very difficult but not impossible. Talk with your doctor about the best eating plan for you.

If you are concerned about your own or a friend’s weight or eating behaviors, check with a doctor, see COUNSELING section, or call: