What do you see when you look into a mirror? Most of us would probably see a fairly realistic view of ourselves, seeing a negative trait or two, wanting to change one or another part of our bodies. But sometimes a person will become so obsessed with a perfect body image that she begins to suffer from eating disorders.
First question to ask is, "On what do you base your assessment of yourself?" A well-adjusted individual will base it on whether she feels fit, healthy and, even, happy. This is what I call our "happy weight," one which is not necessarily your ideal body weight but which makes you feel happy. Then there are some who will base it on media and what they will espouse as beautiful. These are mainly the models and actresses who are so genetically blessed that they effortlessly look "sexy". But to view one's body in this way is not only unrealistic, it can also be downright dangerous as it can lead to eating disorders.
Eating disorders have become more prevalent in the last 25 years. It hits mostly women, usually between the ages of 12 to 26 and mostly belonging to middle and upper income families. You can only afford to refuse food when there is an abundance of it! They are highly intelligent, high achievers, compulsive and success-driven.
There are three kinds of eating disorders. First is the anorexia nervosa where people intentionally starve themselves. They have a normal appetite but refuse to eat for fear of gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa, on the other hand, leads to binge-eating (two to three times a week) followed by purging through forced vomiting, prolonged fasting, vigorous exercise or abuse of laxatives and enemas.
'Eating disorders usually hit women between the ages of 12 to 26 mostly belonging to middle and upper income families'
Symptoms of anorexia include a preoccupation with food, weight, dieting and body image. They see themselves as being overweight even if everyone else sees them as shockingly thin. Because of this negative body image, she becomes socially isolated and withdrawn. Bulimics may not exhibit the same shocking weight loss but watch out for other symptoms such as swollen glands in the neck and face, heartburn, bloating, indigestion, constipation, irregular periods and dental problems as well as sore throat because of the constant vomiting.
The third disorder is called Orthorexia Nervosa which is healthy eating taken to the extreme. The term was first introduced by Dr. Steven Bratman of Colorado, USA in 2001. An orthorexic is obsessed with food guides, books or anything else that will lead to what he perceives as "improved food quality." Gone are the days when food was to be enjoyed and could be an avenue for socialization. Orthorexics will follow strict rules and, if, God forbid, he slips up then he will have to punish himself by fasting for days or go through extreme exercising.
For any of these disorders, the order of the day would be two-pronged. Short term is to restore body weight. The long term treatment will involve seeking psychiatric help to deal with psychological issues. Of course, prevention is still better. Children should be taught that beauty and charm is only skin deep but a good personality and upright character is what is more important. Let children feel loved, secure and accepted as they are.
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