In a scene of One Tree Hill, Brooke Davis said, “There’s no way she gets on the cover of my magazine unless she gains 10 pounds minimum. She looks unhealthy…Anorexia is a disease. It is not a fashion statement.” I agree with Brooke Davis. Many models today are extremely thin which leads young girls into believing they have to be that thin to be pretty. So how do young girls try to lose weight so they can look like models? They take on an eating disorder.
One of the two most common types of eating disorders is known as anorexia nervosa, or anorexia for short. According to the National Eating Disorder’s website, anorexia is “an emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.” You can also describe someone who is anorexic as someone who starves them self. Someone who is anorexic may also exercise excessively to lose weight faster. You may notice someone exhibit symptoms of dizziness or fainting. They may show compulsive behavior as well as social isolation, anxiety, and guilt. They may come across as underweight or have had extreme weight loss. Someone with anorexia will typically have brittle nails, bruising, and dry hair and skin.
- 90-95% of those suffering from anorexia are females.
- Between 0.5–1% of American women suffer from anorexia nervosa.
- Between 5-20% of individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa will die from the disease.
The second most common eating disorder is bulimia nervosa, or bulimia. Bulimia is the action of throwing up after eating. According to the National Eating Disorder’s website, bulimia is “an emotional disorder involving distortion of body image and an obsessive desire to lose weight, in which bouts of extreme overeating are followed by depression and self-induced vomiting, purging, or fasting.” Someone who is bulimic may spend excessive amounts of time in the bathroom after each meal. They may show dehydration, have bad breath, and show extreme weight changes. Someone with bulimia may show signs of anxiety, guilt, poor self-esteem, and have mood swings.
- Bulimia nervosa affects 1-2% of adolescent and young adult women.
- Approximately 80% of bulimia nervosa patients are female.
- People struggling with bulimia nervosa usually appear to be of average body weight.
If you suspect someone may have an eating disorder, call the National Eating Disorder helpline. 1-800-931-2237.
Please remember, eating disorders are not attractive and they are not healthy. Eating disorders are exactly that…. A disorder.
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