Dying for Control
Weight Control, Eating Disorders Affect Many SLCC Students
Hope Rowe
Issue date: 10/1/02 Section: News
Under the biological heading there are many sub-theories, such as the genetic factor, which may predispose a person to anorexia; abnormal hormone and neurotransmitters levels including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Some people even believe the anorexic may be addicted to fasting because of the chemical changes in the body brought on by starvation.
ANAD believes we shouldn't say anything absolute about eating disorders until more studies have been completed. Currently, there is some documentation about these and other theories but nothing has been proven.
Many anorexic's believe they would be happier, more successful and be liked by more people if they were thin. But as the disease progresses they find themselves so obsessed over food; friends and success seem less and less important. The only success that holds true to them is the success of weight loss. Their functioning ability is greatly affected and they may sink into a deep depression which is common among anorexics.
In addition to depression, there are many repercussions caused from eating disorders. Some of the repercussions include shame, guilt, mood swings, low self-esteem, withdrawal, perfectionism and negative thought patterns.
"No one can control how much a person eats or how her body appears, except herself. What a powerful drug that is: when all available time is spent counting calories and analyzing one's body, little time is left for dealing with life's challenges," says Meehan.
If not treated, irreversible damage may be inflicted on the body; irregular heartbeat, kidney and liver damage, tooth decay caused by a saliva deficiency, infertility, bone loss which will result in fractures and lifelong problems and most unremitting death.
ANAD says an anorexic may go through cycles that overlap with bulimia and therefore should be recognized as the same illness. Nanci Klein P.H.D., Director of professional Affairs for the Utah Psychological Association says "anorexics restrict what they eat, but when they do eat, they may purge whatever they eat."
Currently in the United States there are eight million people suffering from this curable disease. It knows no economic, gender or racial barriers and has reached epidemic numbers in America. For additional information on eating disorders or for help call the ANAD hotline at 847-831-3438.
ANAD believes we shouldn't say anything absolute about eating disorders until more studies have been completed. Currently, there is some documentation about these and other theories but nothing has been proven.
Many anorexic's believe they would be happier, more successful and be liked by more people if they were thin. But as the disease progresses they find themselves so obsessed over food; friends and success seem less and less important. The only success that holds true to them is the success of weight loss. Their functioning ability is greatly affected and they may sink into a deep depression which is common among anorexics.
In addition to depression, there are many repercussions caused from eating disorders. Some of the repercussions include shame, guilt, mood swings, low self-esteem, withdrawal, perfectionism and negative thought patterns.
"No one can control how much a person eats or how her body appears, except herself. What a powerful drug that is: when all available time is spent counting calories and analyzing one's body, little time is left for dealing with life's challenges," says Meehan.
If not treated, irreversible damage may be inflicted on the body; irregular heartbeat, kidney and liver damage, tooth decay caused by a saliva deficiency, infertility, bone loss which will result in fractures and lifelong problems and most unremitting death.
ANAD says an anorexic may go through cycles that overlap with bulimia and therefore should be recognized as the same illness. Nanci Klein P.H.D., Director of professional Affairs for the Utah Psychological Association says "anorexics restrict what they eat, but when they do eat, they may purge whatever they eat."
Currently in the United States there are eight million people suffering from this curable disease. It knows no economic, gender or racial barriers and has reached epidemic numbers in America. For additional information on eating disorders or for help call the ANAD hotline at 847-831-3438.
