Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Eating Disorder


About this topic


An eating disorder is when you have problems with eating. Thoughts of food and weight and worrying about your body shape take over. Some people have a great decrease in the amount of food they eat. Others eat too much. Some people make themselves throw up or use drugs to help food pass through their body quickly. All of these can result in poor nutrition and other serious health problems. These types of disorders include eating: ‚  
  • Very little because you think you are fat even when you are a normal weight. This may make you lose too much weight. This is called anorexia.
  • Too much in a short time without being able to stop when you are full. This is a binge eating disorder.
  • Too much food all at the same time. Then, you feel the urge to get rid of the food you have eaten. You may make yourself throw up or take drugs to help the food pass quickly into your stools. This is called bulimia nervosa and it is a very serious problem.
  • Too little followed by overeating. You may have all or some of the signs of anorexia, bulimia, or binge disorder involved. This is called an eating disorder not otherwise specified or EDNOS.

An eating disorder may be a result of emotional or mental health problems. Food intake is used to cope with your feelings. Stress, worry, low mood, sadness, or anger can make you eat too much or eat too little. Dieting, body image, and low self-esteem are also some of the concerns. ‚  
Other causes may include: ‚  
  • Heredity
  • Chemical imbalances in the brain

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • You may need to change your workout routine. Some people work out too much and others not enough.
  • Spend time with friends and family.
  • Do not use food to deal with your feelings.

What drugs may be needed?


Your doctor will tell you about the drugs you may need to take. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Your doctor will help you make a healthy eating plan. Be sure to follow the doctors advice. ‚  

Will there be any other care needed?


  • Your doctor may order talk therapy for you. This can help you learn to deal with your feelings in a healthy way.
  • Let family and friends know of your illness and how to help.
  • You may need to be in the hospital to deal with problems from your eating disorder.

What problems could happen?


  • Stomach problems
  • Heart problems
  • Reproductive health problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Dental problems
  • Too much fluid loss

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Eat the right amount of healthy foods.
  • Have a positive outlook in life. Respect yourself inside and out.
  • Be yourself. Do not compare yourself to others.
  • Talk to your family or friends when you have personal problems. You can also talk to an adult or someone you can trust such as your teacher, family member, or family friend.
  • Practice healthy ways to cope with stress. Try listening to music, play a sport, or get involved in a group activity.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
  • If you have any concerns about your condition

Where can I learn more?


FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/complications.html ‚  
National Eating Disorder Association ‚  
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/general-information.php#terms-definitions ‚  
National Institute of Mental Health ‚  
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/complete-index.shtml ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer