Most Frequently Asked Questions about Anorexia and Bulimia

by Ellern Mede Eating Disorder Treatment

Anorexia (also known as anorexia nervosa) and bulimia (also known as bulimia nervosa) are two of the most common eating disorders in the U.K. These are also the most dangerous eating disorders as they can manifest immediate and future health concerns, sometimes long-range problems, depending upon how long the condition exists. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, please don’t wait. Seek information now and get help.

To help you understand more about these eating disorders, here are five of the most frequently asked questions about anorexia and bulimia answered:

Q 1. What is anorexia?

Anorexia is a life-threatening eating disorder that is typically characterised by a distorted body image, with a [unwarranted] fear of being overweight. Because anorexics obsess about weight, they tend not to eat enough of what is necessary for the body to maintain good health. Some skip their meals altogether in order to lose weight. To restore normal weight and live a long, healthy life, an anorexic must go through a specialised anorexia nervosa treatment programme.

Q 2. What is bulimia?

Bulimia, like anorexia, can be life-threatening. This eating disorder is typically characterised by binge eating, followed by ‘purging’ or using extreme methods to avoid weight gain. These methods may include self-induced vomiting, abusing laxatives, excessive exercising or fasting. There are specialised bulimia treatment programmes available to help bulimics get faster and permanent recovery.

Q 3. Who is affected by these eating disorders?

The majority of all anorexia and bulimia cases (about 9 out of 10) involve young girls. These young girls are usually good students with pleasant personalities who go out of their way to please others. Many are involved in social activities, sports, clubs, etc.

Q 4. Are there certain “at-risk” ages?

There are two groups of ages that are higher at risk. There is the 11-13 age group, and then there is the 16-18 age group. Both of these age groups are high-stress ages where there are body development changes, the hormones kick in, and peer pressure introduces itself, among other factors.

Q 5. Why do people develop eating disorders?

Eating disorders can be hereditary. If you know of someone in the family history who had an eating disorder, watch those around you in the family. They are already predisposed to having this condition. Another reason may be a lack of personal security or self-esteem. Other reasons could be a painful trauma in their lives; loss of a loved one, separation from a loved one, or abuse.

No matter why an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia is developed, it is important to remember that the condition is not the core issue at hand. The eating disorder is the cause of an underlying problem happening in the child’s life. This means that an anorexic or bulimic probably will not be treated until the underlying core issue has been resolved and brought out into the open.

If you suspect your child of having an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, please take them to an eating disorder clinic in London immediately. They need help NOW!