Eating disorders anorexia and bulimia are preventable disorders. This entry discusses the several ways through which eating disorders can be prevented especially within the family.
Proper information dissemination on anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder as well as their ill-effects is a good way of preventing any of these diseases from developing especially among teenagers who are at a crucial point in their lives. Information dissemination may be done in schools and in workplaces by health professionals such as nurses and nutritionists.
Parents can help prevent eating disorders among their children by being role models in the family. Studies reveal that most teems with eating disorders have parents who are also suffering from either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. By setting a good and healthy attitude toward food, children will less likely be prone to eating disorders. Also, it is important to note that children need acceptance and affirmation for who they are. It is important that parents let their children understand that it’s okay to gain weight especially during puberty.
In most instances, an eating disorder is usually a result of poor self-image and low self-esteem. Parents can protect their children from any of these eating disorders by proving positive feedback on their children. It is good to encourage children to feel good and have fun regardless of weight. Doing so will lift the spirits of the children and will divert their attention from thinking too much about their weight.
Eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa do not happen overnight. These diseases develop over time and are a result of various factors that include family orientation, peer pressure and media influences. Studies conducted by various agencies reveal that each person with eating disorder has his/her own history of the disease. Each person with eating disorder also requires a different eating disorder program. For this reason, eating disorder treatment plans are generally designed to be flexible to suit the individual needs of patients.
Individuals whose family members are generally thin are most likely to develop anorexia. Families who are very particular with weight tend to have unlikely attitude towards food. In a effort to stay within weight limits, some individuals would skip meals and eventually starve themselves in order to get away from added weight. Some others would take medications such as laxatives, while others would engage in exercises in order to sweat themselves and to shed off fats from the body.
Unhealthy interpersonal relationships between family and friends can also trigger eating disorders. Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder also tends to develop among those who do not have feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety and loneliness. In a sense, eating disorders are most likely to develop among those who have no strong and dependable relationships.
Events such as separation or divorce of parents and death of a close relative or friend are also known to trigger eating disorders. Incidences such as rape molestation and abortion as well as being a victim of slander can also drive eating disorder.
Developing teenagers are one of the most susceptible age groups for developing anorexia and bulimia. While many men suffer from eating disorders, typically women are more likely to develop eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. Researchers reveal that eating disorders develop as a culmination of several factors, such as: family lifestyle, socio-economic status, media influence, as well as psychological feelings of control, and self-image. Several studies found a majority of eating disorder victims suffering from anorexia, and bulimia, are discontent with their lives. Tantamount to a drug addiction, eating disorders act as a destructive solution to a painful unaddressed issue. For many people, bulimia and anorexia create superficial feelings of control in ones own life. As an individual becomes more invested in their eating disorder, they develop a deviant identity. One red flag is if an individual is beoming increasingly isolated, not attending social gatherings or events where food may be present. Other indications include noticeable mood swings and changes in personality. Because eating disorders change the bodies physical chemistry, someone suffering from bulimia or anorexia have increased feelings of frustration, anger, and anxiety. If you believe someone you is suffering from an eating disorder you should encourage them to seek help. While eating disorders are a delicate topic, this should not dissuade you from being vocal about your concern as anorexia and bulimia can be fatal.