Nowadays, there is so much pressure to be thin, look your best, and be healthy. What happens when these pressures take an obsessive turn? For some, they may turn to binge eating, purging, or excessive exercising. These are all symptoms of an eating disorder. If you find that you are obsessing over your weight or body shape, it may be time to start eating disorder counseling in Raleigh. Through therapy and treatment, it’s possible to cope with the signs and symptoms that might be plaguing you. While there are many different types of eating disorders, here are a few of the most common. Anorexia Nervosa Perhaps the most commonly known eating disorder, anorexia is an eating disorder based in self-starvation that leads to dramatic and excessive weight loss. Those who suffer from anorexia don’t maintain a normal body weight for their age, height, body type, or activity level. They may exhibit an intense fear of gaining weight or appearing “fat.” Due to the unhealthy nature of their weight loss, they may lose their menstrual periods. Due to the rapid weight loss, muscle tone is almost nonexistent. The joints in the body may protrude more than normal and appear bulbous in comparison to other parts of the body. Bulimia Nervosa When someone binges on food and then immediately purges as a way to prevent weight gain, its call bulimia nervosa. This condition is diagnosed by the number of binging and purging episodes. While it does include purging via self-induced vomiting, it can also include the abuse of laxatives, diet pills, diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting. Aswith anorexia, sufferers are often obsessed with body weight and achieving the perfect body. Binge Eating Disorder Those who suffer from binge eating often experience periods of compulsive and uncontrolled continuous eating. This is more than just eating until you are full. When binging, sufferers keep eating with no plans of purging afterwards. Many times, those with this disease feel a lot of self-hatred and shame. Pica When someone persistently eats nonnutritive substances such as clay, dirt, hair, chalk, or wood, they may be suffering from pica. While this might be developmentally appropriate for children under the age of 2, it’s not okay for older children and adults. To be diagnosed, the person must be consistently partaking of these substances for over a month. It must also be severe enough to warrant an intervention. Night Eating Syndrome While a midnight snack every once in a while isn’t anything to worry about, night eating syndrome is. This disorder causes the sufferer to lack an appetite in the morning but then overeat in the evening. It not only affects the appetite, but it can cause mood problems, insomnia, and obesity as well. While many may believe that this is simply a bad habit that can be easily broken, it’s actually a clinical condition caused by imbalanced hormones. Orthorexia This eating disorder is categorized by an obsession with healthy eating. Those who suffer from it often spend more than 3 hours a day thinking about or planning healthy menus. While eating healthy is important, those who suffer from orthorexia are dealing with a serious obsession. Straying from their super-strict diet can leave them feeling distress and self-loathing. They may end up distancing themselves from family members or friends who don’t share their same views on food, and may see a huge dive in their self-confidence. If you are exhibiting any of the above symptoms or signs, eating disorder counseling in Raleigh might be for you. Eating disorders are serious and very real. With the right treatment, you can overcome this disease and get yourself a healthy, happy, and loving life once again.
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