The Skinny on Anorexia and Bulimia

The Subject of food and nutrition has always interested me; here is a paper I wrote a couple of years ago for an English class.  Someday, I would like to do more to raise awareness for the people who are currently and/or  have struggled with such a secret battle.

The Skinny on Anorexia and Bulimia

            Women and men of all ages and races are dealing with eating disorders throughout the world.  Anorexia and bulimia are two of the more known eating disorders; unfortunately, they are known because of the characteristics and harsh side effects that these diseases come with.  People who are affected by eating disorders are known to have low self-esteem and feel little self-worth (J Blechert, U Ansorge…).  Anorexia and bulimia are serious eating disorders that can lead to devastating consequences, and even though they are two different diseases, they can be classified as one.  These diseases are mostly recognized in women; however, men can acquire them as well; they can have the same side effects, and both are known to have deeply rooted psychological issues.  

            When one sees a “Lifetime” movie about an eating disorder, it is rarely about a male; the words anorexia and bulimia are most commonly associated with women.  Laurie Penny, an author for the New Stateman writes about the statistics of these disorders.  Penny writes that “3 per cent of young women” are effected by eating disorders; however, “many sufferers . . . happen to be male” (Penny).  Laurie Penny affirms that both anorexia and bulimia are non-discriminative; they both affect anybody and everybody.  Melissa Thompson, author of the Daily Record add to the statistics.  Thompson writes, “1 in 150 15-year-old girls and 1 in 1000 boys suffer . . . [and] 1 in 100 16 to 18-year-olds.  About 40 per cent recover completely” (Thompson).  "Although these disorders do not chose a steady type of stereotype, they both have common side effects.

            The side effects of both anorexia and bulimia can be deadly if not treated in a timely manner.  Some of the effects that these disorders include are distress around eating, obsession thoughts of food, weight and body image issues, depression, and generalized anxiety (Trunko, Schwartz, Duvvuri, Kaye).  Because both of these disorders prevent nutrients from being absorbed into the body, they have similar signs and symptoms.  Only a few of these signs and symptoms are; hair loss, low body temperature, bone mass density is effected, metabolic rate decreases, bruising is more visible, and many more.  These are serious physical effects that can lead to death; however, they start as non-physical issues.  Many eating disorders start as mental thoughts that escalate into physical issues. 

            Psychological issues are known to be the main source to both anorexia and bulimia.  An article in the Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week writes, “A new report in Biological Psychiatry suggests that deficits in endocannabinoid function may contribute to anorexia nervosa and bulimia” (“Eating Disorders; Do deficits in brain cannabinoids contribute to eating disorders?”).   This proves that there is a chemical reaction in the brain. People who have these disorders both have a poor self-image due to a psychological problem. Melissa Thompson, author of “Anorexic mum who weighs less than her girl, 7; Sick Becky Starving” tells a story of a Mom with one of these disorders.  Thompson explains, “Rebecca Jones is proud she can wear her [seven year old] daughter’s clothes . . . .  ‘I don’t think I’m thin – I always see myself as bigger.  I long to be normal, but can’t help it’” (Thompson).  Self-esteem and self-image are a large issue in both anorexia and bulimia cases.  Unfortunately, few treatments exist for these disorders because it is psychological. 

            Although anorexia and bulimia are classified as two separate disorders, they are similar enough to be the same, and if left untreated, they can cause death.  These disorders have been heard of by most people because of their severity and popularity among young and famous people.  Because of self-esteem and self worth images that some individuals may have, eating disorders can become a serious and devastating disease.  Men and women of all ages and races are affected by both anorexia and bulimia; the side effects of these disorders are serious, and can be deadly.  If left untreated the side effects of these two diseases can lead to serious malnutrition; consequently, these diseases can lead to death.  If one has symptoms of these disorders or knows someone who does, the best way to seek help is through counseling.  Every person has a different degree of these disorders, so it is important to treat each case individually. 

 Works Cited

Blechert, J., U. Ansorge, S. Beckmann, and B. Tuschen-Caffier. "The undue influence of shape and weight on self-evaluation in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and restrained eaters: a combined ERP and behavioral study. " Psychological Medicine  41.1 (2011): 185-194. Health Module, ProQuest. Web.  13 Nov. 2011.

“Eating Disorders; Do deficits in brain connabinioids contribute to eating disorders?” Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week 19 Nov. 2011: ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, ProQuest, Web. 13 Nov. 2011.

Melissa Thompson.  "Anorexic mum who weighs less than her girl, 7 :Sick Becky starving. " Daily Record  8  Nov. 2011, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web.  13 Nov. 2011. 

Penny, L.. "Our disgusting appetite for anorexia chic. " New Statesman  10 Jan. 2011: ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. Web.  13 Nov. 2011.

Trunko, M., T. Schwartz, V. Duvvuri, and W. Kaye. "Aripiprazole in anorexia nervosa and low-weight bulimia nervosa: Case reports. " International Journal of Eating Disorders  44.3 (2011): 269. Health Module, ProQuest. Web.  13 Nov. 2011.