Eating disorders

Eating Disorders:
Many kids , particularly teens , are concerned about how they look and can feel self-conscious about their bodies. This can be especially true when they are going through puberty,and undergo dramatic physical changes and face new social pressures.
Anorexia: People with anorexia have an extreme fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape. As a result,they strive to maintain a very low body weight. Some restrict their food intake by dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. They hardly eat at all and often try to eat as few calories as possible,frequently obsessing over food intake. The small amount of food they do eat becomes an obsession.
Bulimia: Bulimia is characterized by habitual binge eating and purging. Someone with bulimia mayundergo weight fluctuations, but rarely experiences the low weight associated with anorexia. Both disorders can involve compulsive exercise or other forms of purging food they have eaten, such as byself-induced vomiting or laxative use.
People with anorexia or bulimia frequently have an intense fear of gaining weight or being overweight and frequently think they look bigger than they actually are.With anorexia, the body goes into starvation mode and the lack of nutrition can affect the body in many ways:
* a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
* hair loss and fingernailbreakage
* loss of periods
* lanugo hair, a soft hair that can grow all over the skin
* lightheadedness and inability to concentrate
* anemia
* swollen joints
* brittle bonesWith bulimia, constant vomiting and lack of nutrients can cause:
* constant stomach pain
* damage to the stomach and kidneys
* tooth decay (from exposure to stomach acids)
* "chipmunkcheeks," when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so often
* loss of periods
* loss of the mineral potassium (this can contribute to heart problems and even death.

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