The prevalence of anorexia and bulimia among different age groups.
Anorexia and bulimia are both serious eating disorders that can have a profound effect on a person’s health, both mentally and physically. They are also disorders that tend to be more prevalent among certain age groups.
Anorexia nervosa, also simply called anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by a severe restriction of caloric intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia often see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously thin. Anorexia is a serious, life-threatening disorder that can lead to death if left untreated. It is most common in adolescent girls and young women, although it can affect people of any age.
Bulimia nervosa, also known as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of bingeing, or consuming large amounts of food, followed by purging, or getting rid of the food through vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise. Like anorexia, people with bulimia often have a distorted body image and are afraid of gaining weight. Bulimia is also a serious, life-threatening disorder that can lead to death if left untreated. It is most common in adolescent girls and young women, although it can affect people of any age.
The precise causes of anorexia and bulimia are unknown, but both disorders are thought to be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, so there may be a genetic predisposition for these disorders. Psychological factors such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a need for control may also contribute. And finally, sociocultural factors, such as the pressure to be thin, particularly for women, can play a role.
Anorexia and bulimia are both serious disorders that can have devastating consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seek professional help right away..Official source
The difference between anorexia and bulimia.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the two most common specific eating disorders in the United States. Both disorders are characterized by a preoccupation with food and body weight. Anorexia nervosa is defined by an intense fear of becoming fat and a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. Bulimia nervosa is defined by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging.
People with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously thin. They are terrified of gaining any weight whatsoever and will often go to great lengths to avoid doing so. This may involve extreme diets, compulsive exercise, or self-induced vomiting. People with bulimia nervosa also see themselves as overweight and are obsessed with their body weight and shape. However, they do not avoid food the way people with anorexia nervosa do.
Instead, they eat large amounts of food in a short period of time (binge eating) and then force themselves to vomit or use laxatives to purge the food from their bodies (purging). For both disorders, the preoccupation with food and weight significantly interferes with everyday life and activities.
The major difference between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is the method of weight control. People with anorexia nervosa restrict food intake and people with bulimia nervosa binge and purge. Although there are other differences between the two disorders, such as the severity of weight loss, the type of foods consumed, and the psychological profile, the method of weight control is the most defining characteristic.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about anorexia vs bulimia. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.