What’s the Issue?
People in America pay a lot of attention to body weight and dieting. Fad diets have always been popular and low-carb diets are the latest craze. Even though most people have tried some sort of diet, obesity has become a national epidemic. Roughly three out of every five Americans are currently overweight or obese.
Overweight refers to increased body weight in relation to height, when compared to some standard of acceptable or desirable weight. Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat compared to lean body mass.
On the other side of the coin are eating disorders, which are conditions characterized by extreme attitudes and behaviors surrounding food and weight loss. Here are three of the most common eating disorders:
- Anorexia Nervosa includes starving yourself and too much weight loss.
- Bulimia Nervosa includes binge-eating (stuffing yourself with food) and purging (getting rid of the food by vomiting or using laxatives).
- Binge-eating disorder is the same as bulimia without purging.
Why Should I Care?
It is more common for women to be obese than men. Changes in hormones, especially during pregnancy and menopause, may play a role in excess weight gain for women.
Being obese puts a woman at risk for all sorts of problems including diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and problems getting pregnant.
Eating disorders are much more common in women. Millions of girls and women in the United States suffer from some type of eating disorder. Four out of five American women are dissatisfied with their appearance at some time in their life.
What Can I Do?
The good news is there’s a lot you can do. What you put into your mouth is up to you! By eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly, you are paving a path of good health. Good habits lower your chance of being obese or suffering from an eating disorder.
Everyone suffers from poor body-image from time to time, but when starving yourself, binging, or purging come into play, there’s a problem. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, help is available. People who have eating disorders often don’t realize it and may need the help of others. Remember, eating disorders are real illnesses and need appropriate medical attention. Proper treatment can save your life!
Last updated: August 5, 2004