Eating Disorders
The Link Between Eating Disorders and Chemical Dependency
Sometimes difficulties come in pairs. Often one problem carries along other problems in its wake. This appears to be the case with eating disorders and substance abuse.
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Scientists Develop Scoring System for Photoshopped Ads
Some eating disorder experts have expressed concern over the use of airbrushing and Photoshop to alter the reality appearing in magazine advertisements. Many eating disorder patients talk about how comparing their bodies to those of models and celebrities in magazines have contributed to their disordered eating behavior patterns.
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Those With Eating Disorders Need Extra Support During the Holidays
For most people, one of the best things about the holidays is the food. Platters of all flavors of Christmas cookies, pumpkin pie, turkey and stuffing, fudge and other candies combine their fragrances throughout the house and workplace almost continuously from Thanksgiving through the New Year.
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“Anna Rexia” Costume Angers Eating Disorder Community
Eating disorder experts often express frustration at the lack of awareness and understanding about the serious nature of the diseases among the general public. Many people still mistakenly believe that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice, one preferred by those who are vain or fussy about their appearance.
As discussed on ABCNews, there is clear evidence that there are still many people who do not understand the seriousness of eating disorders. A costume displayed on a costume vendor’s site, Ricky’s, depicts a woman dressed as "Anna Rexia," complete with skeletal details.
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Increase Seen in Eating Disorders, Especially Pica
It is very difficult to get an accurate understanding of the number of individuals who suffer from eating disorders. Many who have an eating disorder hide their condition for years, with some delaying treatment even after admitting to themselves that there is a problem. Some never receive treatment.
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Court Finds CA Health Insurance Providers Must Cover Anorexia Treatment
The 9th U.S. District Circuit Court of Appeals in August determined that Blue Shield of California is required to cover a policyholder’s inpatient treatment of her severe diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. The court made the decision based on the fact that California insurance providers are obligated under the state’s mental health parity law to cover the treatment of mental illnesses the same as it would for physical illnesses.
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Registered Dietitians Important Part of Treating Eating Disorders
The treatment of eating disorders is a complex process. Though they are designated as a mental disorder, there are many physical aspects of eating disorders that require the combination of both psychological treatment and physical treatment by a range of healthcare professionals.
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The Rise of Manorexia
When you think of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, you usually think of women who are obsessed with their weight and image. Today, anorexia is taking on a new face and is now common in men. Sometimes called "manorexia," eating disorders are causing men across the globe to become absorbed in their image and having the perfect body.
Men with Anorexia
In a study by Harvard University in 2007, it was observed that 25 percent of those who were struggling with anorexia or bulimia were men. This observation also showed researchers men are more apt to suffer from eating disorders than they originally thought.
Through media, men get the idea that they have to have perfect model body type. This means six pack abs and massive biceps. Instead of dieting and working out in a healthy manner, they are taking more drastic measures. Manorexic men are spending long, tedious hours at the gym, sometimes lifting more weight than they can handle, along with hardly eating. When these men are not satisfied, they will do anything to achieve "perfection."
The British Health Service (NHS) recently released startling data. The report showed a 66 percent increase in admissions to the hospitals in England, with men who were suffering eating disorders. This number is calculated over the past decade.
NHS calculations have also shown that approximately 1.5 million people living in the U.K. are suffering with anorexia or bulimia. They believe that one in five eating disorder cases are derived from the obsession to have the perfect body. This obsession is caused, in part, by male models and what is seen and heard on TV and in magazines.
Bulimia in Men
Bulimia is just as pressing as anorexia in men. It affects three times more people than anorexia does, but it is also much harder to detect. Current estimates say that at least 10 percent of all individuals living with bulimia are men.
Many of the issues surrounding bulimia are guilt, shame, and low self-esteem, which is understandable since eating disorders are usually looked at as a women’s disease. Because of this stereotype, men are more reluctant to seek any professional help.
Men are also under pressure to seem strong and independent. They have a harder time than women expressing their emotions and don’t want others to know they are struggling with any issues, let alone their appearance.
While eating disorders do not seem like something that needs to be addressed with men, it needs to be looked at twice. With society the way it is, both men and women can suffer from these life-threatening illnesses.
Eating Patterns Among People with Binge Eating Disorder
Breakfast has always been touted as the most important meal of the day. However, many people skip it altogether or grab something convenient but unhealthy as they scramble through their morning routine.
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Dentists Can Spot Need for Anorexia or Bulimia Treatment
Eating disorders such as bulimia, and to some extent, anorexia, can go undiagnosed for years, especially when the person does not seek medical treatment. Both illnesses are characterized by a distorted self-image that changes how the person sees herself and feels about her body and its relationship with food.
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