PY 105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are characterized by the following:
• Problematic eating patterns
• Extreme concerns about body weight
• Inappropriate behaviors aimed at controlling body weight.
The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia
nervosa.
The large majority of eating disorders occur in females and are much more
common in industrialized countries where people idealize thinness and have
easy access to food. Eating disorders are also much more common in
younger women.
Anorexia Nervosa
The main features of anorexia nervosa are a refusal to maintain a body
weight in the normal range, intense fear about gaining weight, and highly
distorted body image. In postpubescent women, another symptom of anorexia
nervosa is absence of menstrual periods. Anorexia nervosa can result in
serious medical problems, including anemia, kidney and cardiovascular
malfunctions, dental problems, and osteoporosis.
Bulimia Nervosa
The main features of bulimia nervosa are habitual binge eating and
unhealthy efforts to control body weight, including vomiting, fasting, excessive
exercise, or use of laxatives, diuretics, and other medications. People with
bulimia nervosa tend to evaluate themselves largely according to their body
weight and shape. Unlike people with anorexia nervosa, people with bulimia
nervosa typically have body weight in the normal range.
Bulimia nervosa can have serious medical consequences, including fluid and
electrolyte imbalances and dental and gastrointestinal problems.
Etiology of Eating Disorders
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Document Summary
Eating disorders are characterized by the following: problematic eating patterns, extreme concerns about body weight. The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The large majority of eating disorders occur in females and are much more common in industrialized countries where people idealize thinness and have easy access to food. Eating disorders are also much more common in younger women. The main features of anorexia nervosa are a refusal to maintain a body weight in the normal range, intense fear about gaining weight, and highly distorted body image. In postpubescent women, another symptom of anorexia nervosa is absence of menstrual periods. Anorexia nervosa can result in serious medical problems, including anemia, kidney and cardiovascular malfunctions, dental problems, and osteoporosis. The main features of bulimia nervosa are habitual binge eating and unhealthy efforts to control body weight, including vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives, diuretics, and other medications.