March 15
Eating Disorders
	More than 90 percent of people with eating disorders are adolescent and young adult women. People with anorexia severely limit their food intake. People with bulimia first binge, then purge by either vomiting or using laxatives. About half of people with anorexia also have symptoms of bulimia. People with an eating disorder, including overeating, find it very difficult to stop their behavior, even when it's so obviously destructive. What's not so obvious sometimes is the realization someone you know may have this problem, because people with these disorders many times hide their symptoms. It's generally thought that our society's emphasis on beauty and thinness play a large part in compelling young girls to go on strict diets. This severe dieting can be a factor in triggering an eating disorder. But not all young women exposed to these messages become anorexic or bulimic. Two studies published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggest that genetics play a significant role in determining who is at greatest risk. In one study, researchers found that women are much more likely than their peers to develop anorexia or bulimia if their mother already suffers from an eating disorder. A male's risk did not appear to be affected by their family members. In a second study of female twins, the authors concluded that genetic factors may account for up to 58% of the risk of having an eating disorder. This information can help families and doctors pay special attention to young people who might be at greatest risk for these conditions. Eating disorders can be treated, but many people with eating disorders keep their problem a well-hidden secret. If you suspect someone of having an eating disorder, don't hesitate to get them help-their life might depend on it.
	How can you tell if someone has an eating disorder? There are some warning signs. Someone with anorexia may drop their weight way below normal, while still denying they feel hungry and saying that they feel fat. Excessive exercise is also common. If someone heads to the bathroom right after meals, or eats a great deal without gaining weight, that may be a sign of bulimia. Someone with an eating disorder is also more likely to withdraw from social activities. References: Wade TD, Bulik CM, et al. Anorexia Nervosa and Major Depression: Shared Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors. American Journal of Psychiatry 157:469-471, March 2000 Strober, M, Freeman, R, et al. Controlled Family Study of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia nervosa: Evidence of Shared liability and Transmission of Partial Syndromes, American Journal of Psychiatry, 157:393-401, March 2000 Resources: On the Teen Scene: Eating Disorders Require Medical Attention Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov/opacom/catalog/eatdis.html A Teen Guide to Eating Disorders KidsHealth.org www.kidshealth.org/teen/bodymind/eat_disorder.html Eating Disorders A Guide for Parents, Teenagers and School Nurses Massachusetts Medical Society Community Health Resources www.massmed.org/community/hinfo/overeat/recan.html Eating Disorders National women's Health Information Center www.4woman.gov/faq/eatingdi.htm Understanding Eating Disorders National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association www.ndmda.org/eating.htm National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders www.anad.org American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Inc. www.aabainc.org/home.html Overeaters Anonymous www.overeatersanonymous.org