EATING DISORDERS, AN ADDICTION TO DIE FOR?
By Synthia Esther
Eating disorders are among the top four leading causes of burden of disease in terms of life lost through disability of death according to the Academy For Eating Disorders (www.aedweb.org). Though commonly thought of predominately affecting the female gender, a smaller percentage of males also suffer from eating disorders. Susan Ice, M.D., The Renfrew Center, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry confirms that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness – up to twenty percent. Ice also confirms that ninety percent plus, are adolescent and young women with an increase seen in younger age groups, as young as 7 years old.
As noted in the book, Body Wars: “Making Peace With Women's Bodies,” by Margo Maine, Ph. D., Gurze Books, 2000. “The prevalence of loosing weight leaves eighty-one percent of 10 year olds afraid of getting fat and seventy-eight percent of 18 year old girls unhappy with their bodies.” Dr. Maine, a clinical psychologist and activist is angry about the unrelenting pressures on you to value your body more than the contribution you make to your family, workplace, and community. On her web site, Maine & Weinstein Specialty Group, LLC she notes, “In the U.S. An estimated eight million girls and women and one million boys and men have an eating disorder with a gradual increase in anorexia and bulimia from 1 in 20 cases ten years ago, to 1 in 20 cases today.”
According to main stream media in the western world, being thin is in and being stout is out, but what about being healthy? Eating disorders can present serious health risks, some of which include but are not limited to: gastrointestinal complications, endocrine disorders (leading to cessation of periods in girls with anorexia), poor circulation, zinc deficiency, osteoporosis (brittle bones and retarded growth of essential bone structure and low bone mineral density), abnormalities of mineral and electrolyte levels in the body, headaches due to malnutrition, hypertension, muscle atrophy, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, growth of lanugo hair on the body and/or face, loss of scalp hair, pallid complexion, dental problems, esophageal reflux irritation, inflammation, and /or possible rupture of the esophagus (bulimia), etc... Without intervention and treatment the consequence of a serious eating disorder can cause serious health complications that eventually lead to death.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
One has only to look at the fashion industry and its models, many of which look as if they have come from a country dying from starvation and water deprivation, to visually see what anorexia nervosa looks like. Enlargement of the ventricles of the brain is thought to be associated with starvation, and is in part reversed when a person returns to normal weight. However, gaining weight is what the person who suffers from anorexia nervosa does not want to do.
Food and weight control is a coping mechanism for their inner-personal pain and emotional distress. Anorexia nervosa is a state of being, in which a person is obsessed with food restriction while often exercising to further control weight gain. An anorexic's obsessive behavior is often linked to past child sexual abuse. Anorexia usually occurs in young girls but can also occur in young boys. No matter how thin an anorexic person becomes they remain in the psychological mindset of being fat.
Suffering emotionally from self-esteem, self-efficacy, depression and moodiness they are comfortable in their lifestyle and usually deny there is a problem. The suicide rate of people with anorexia is higher than that of the general population and is thought to be the major cause of death for those with the condition (Pompili M. Mancinelli l, Giradi P, Ruberto A, Tatarelli R, 2004, Suicide in Anorexia Nervosa: a meta-analysis, Int J Eat Disorder. 36 (1), 99-103, PMID 1318527). Even if suicide is avoided the person diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa is left with yet another life threatening health problem, death by starvation. Psychotherapy has shown positive results in treating anorexia nervosa and helping the patient achieve needed weight gain. Family therapy and an abundance of love has also proven to be effective.
GOD'S MIRACULOUS POWER TO HEAL
As a Christian, I believe instilling the knowledge of the love of God through Biblical scripture and faithful prayer, ushers in the healing power of God's miraculous miracles. God has more promises than we have problems.
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that usually shows up in the late teens or early twentys of a person's life (female or male), but has been known to occur in juveniles as young as ten years of age. It is characterized by a person who binges on food only to purge themselves in order to control weight gain. Bulimia purging may include but is not limited to : vomiting, use of diuretics, laxative, enemas, physical exercise or fasting. High achievers, perfectionists, and those who have suffered traumatic events in their lifetime (i.e., *child abuse and/or sexual abuse), are some of the risks factors for developing bulimia nervosa. More prevalent in Caucasian groups and women, it is a destructive eating pattern which is delusionally used by the sufferer to gain control of their life.
Many gymnastics, dance and cheer-leading participants have used this purging practice to comply with the desired thinness and body structural standards of a certain activities body type preference. People with bulimia nervosa are of normal or higher weight and are more likely to suffer from anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, impulsive behaviors, and depression. They are also more likely to attempt suicide. Early intervention and psychotherapy are key to preventing the progression of bulimia nervosa. Education on developing a healthy diet and lifestyle as modeled by healthy adults provide positive reinforcement in changing ineffective, damaging eating and purging behavior patterns.
OBESITY AND UNHEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN
The following statistical information can be found on the United States Department Of Health & Human services web site: The increases in overweight and obesity cut across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, and both genders with 300,000 deaths each year in the United States associated with obesity. Even moderate weight excess (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height), increases the risk of death, particularly among adults age 30-64 years.
The incidence of heart disease (heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina or chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythm), is increased in persons who are overweight or obese (**BMI-25). High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with elevated triglycerides (blood fat), and decreased HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a persons risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight. Over 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. For every 2-pound increase in weight, the risk of developing arthritis is increased by 9-13%. Symptoms of arthritis can improve with weight loss. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risks of gall bladder disease, incontinence, increased surgical risk, and depression.
Many people live sedentary lives. In fact, 40% of adults in the United States do not participant in any leisure-time physical activity and less than 1/3 of adults engage in the recommended amounts of physical activity (at least 30 minutes most days). Reducing your calorie intake by 150 calories a day, along with participating in moderate activity, could double your weight loss and is equivalent to approximately 10 pounds in 6 months and 20 pounds in 1 year. Physical activity should be initiated slowly, and the intensity should be increased gradually (e.g., start with a 10-minute walk three times a week and work your way up to 30 minutes of brisk walking or other form of moderate activity five times a week).
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), statistics for 2003-2004 showed a prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20-74 years increased from 15.0% to 32.9%. The American Obesity Association states that health care costs of American adults with obesity amount to approximately $100 billion. Past human cultures considered a well-fed plump body as a symbol of wealth and social status, especially when food was scarce and famine great. Modern western culture considers the obese body to be unattractive and unhealthy. Vanity and beauty reasons aside, eating correctly is the only logical conclusion to achieving continued health and enjoyment of life to its fullest.
My father is mindful to eat according to food references in the Bible and he is alert, physically fit, trim and in good health. He refuses to eat shrimp or lobster (shell fish), and always eats a lot of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Don Colbert, physician and nutritionist thinks the obesity crisis could be solved with a simple question: “Would Jesus eat this?” Dr. Colbert goes on to explain, “If it's loaded with saturated fats, sugar or artificial ingredients, the answer is no.” Author of the book, “What Would Jesus Eat”, Dr. Colbert relates that Jesus essentially ate a Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, fish, fruit, and vegetables and modest amounts of olive oil, meat and wine. He goes on to say, “Anything in the Old Testament blacklists in it's dietary prescriptions is out, including shellfish, pork products, horses, camels, birds of prey, and other carnivores.” Dr. Colbert isn't the only one to promote Jesus views on dietary intake.
Bruce Friedrich, vegan campaign director for the “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,” stated back in 1998, “Jesus was a Vegetarian.” While some may disagree on theological points, all of humanity can agree on the benefits of eating healthy and staying physically fit. Grapevine, Texas, Fellowship Bible Church, pastor Ed Young Jr., took health matters seriously after preaching a series called Body By God, at which time the church stopped serving Krispy Kreme donuts before and after church service. Pastor Young teaches, and I agree, that our spiritual and physical health intersect to reflect the true body God desires for us. So the next time you are tempted to eat the jelly filled donut (300 calories), just remember that it will take one hour of walking at a moderate pace (20 min/mile), to work it off. I don't know about you, but I'll pass on the donut!
GWENS STORY
Gwen, a childhood friend was adopted by her biological Grandparents when her real biological mother, Deb, who was mentally challenged, became pregnant. This occurred when a former close family male friend, took advantage of Deb sexually. As a child, Gwen found food to be a source of comfort. She eventually was told by her Godly Grandparents that her sister was her biological birth mother. Growing up with what Gwen felt was a shameful family secret, she continued to use food to help ease her emotional shame and pain.
A very successful business woman, Gwen tried diet after diet, would lose weight, only to regain it again. Obese and physically unhealthy, she did not want to have gastric by pass surgery. Gwen states she received an invitation sent by God above which changed her health and her addiction to food. She was invited by a female friend to be her swimastics exercise partner, but refused not wanting to be seen in a bathing suit. Gwen changed her mind, tried the class, liked it and continued her water exercise program. A personal trainer at the gym encouraged her to take her water program to land, at which she adamantly refused. His caring manner eventually lead Gwen to once again re-think her decision, giving his instruction program a try.
Today, Gwen has lost over 140 pounds! She obsessively works out after work (sometimes for hours), six days a week. She states, “Between work and work outs I hardly find time to run errands, or even have lunch with a friend.” Having neglected her body for so long, it seems maintaining it has become another obsessive-compulsive addiction. Gwen gives God all the glory for sending her the right people in her life who gave her the encouragement and the courage to try and eventually lose weight.
Looking younger and better than ever, when asked what the secret to her drastic weight loss she adamantly replies, “It's really very simple, take it one positive decision at a time.” The fat Gwen used to be a joy to be around. Although promoting and confessing a much healthier positive attitude, Gwen seems to be primarily concerned with her image, physically, personally and professionally. Her attitude and spirit has changed from a once loving and caring spirit, to one that is judgmental, short tempered, critical and self consumed.
What happened to the empathic, loving, obese Gwen? I guess she lost that person with the 140 weight loss. Many addicts most often trade one addiction for another. The key to ridding yourself of the addictive self-serving spirit and lifestyle is to deal with the manifestations and pain hiding behind the addictions. Finding the love of God and his spiritual guidance to treat all whom you may come in contact with as a divine appointment is the first step towards treating others as you would want to be treated. Balance in the life of a Christian should be approached with placing God and his will at the core of our existence. Gwen is in my prayers.
POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING AN EATING DISORDER OR FOOD ADDICTION:
Anorexia Nervosa: People who are at risk for developing anorexia nervosa are often anxious to please, conscientious, approval seeking people pleaser's. They are often hard working, perfectionist, who strive to avoid conflict.
Bulimia: Depression, anxiety, stress and coping problems are often seen in people who develop bulimia. Impulse control problems such as promiscuous sex, binge shopping, drug and/or alcohol abuse, cutting and self injury, gambling habits are often common behaviors. Food deprivation may be observed which leads to hunger and binge eating, followed by purging methods of vomiting and possible laxative use and abuse.
Compulsive Eating: Signs of eating addiction can include but are not limited to, eating to relieve worry, stress or anxiety. Intrusive thoughts concerning food, hunger that causes the individual to feel fearful, uneasy or worried are often documented problems. Excessive eating, eating when full, eating too fast, eating secretly, binge eating after dieting and feeling guilty when eating, are also common behavior and psychological reactions.
EATING DISORDERS, FOOD ADDICTIONS AND ABUSE CORRELATIONS
Many experts and clinicians have documented a high percentage of patients and/or clients who are diagnosed with an eating disorder or food addiction who have suffered from physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Eating disorders or food addictions are often considered a form of drug addiction, with characteristics covering clinical and biological criteria for addictions such as smoking, cocaine and alcohol abuse (Davis and Claridge, 1998; Davis et al., 1999; Marrazzi and Luby, 1986).
POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
- Childhood sexual abuse is a known contributing factor in many mental disorders and psychological syndromes.
- In general experts in addictionology take two motivational opinions concerning the commencement of addictive behaviors: Reward seeking of positive sensations and/or self medication to relieve painful affective memories or on-going abuse. Genes, personality and coping patterns are also viable links.
- Adults who had experienced multiple types of abuse and violence in childhood compared to those who had not, had a 2 to 4 increase in smoking, poor self-related health, 50 plus sexual intercourse partners, sexually transmitted disease, a higher rate of physical inactivity, and severe obesity (Felitti, 1998).
- Medical impacts of childhood abuse include: head trauma, brain injury, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, HIV infection, physical disabilities (back injury, orthopedic, neck, etc.), chronic pelvic pain, headaches, stomach pain, nausea, sleep disturbance, eating disorder, asthma, shortness of breath, chronic muscle tension, muscle spasms, elevated blood pressure (Prescott, 1998, Cunningham, 1998, Morrison, 1989; Springs, 1992; Walker, 1988).
- Early identification of sexual abuse victims appears to be crucial to the reduction of suffering of abused youth and to the establishment of support systems for assistance in pursuing appropriate psychological development and healthier adult functioning. As long as disclosure continues to be a problem for young victims, then fear, suffering, and psychological distress will, like the secret, remain with the victim, (Bagley,1992; Bagley, 1992: Finkelhor et al. 1990: Whitlock & Gillman, 1989).
- BMI – Body Mass Index, was developed by Belgian statistician and anthropometrist Adolphe Quetelet. It is calculated by dividing the subjects weight in kilograms by the square of his or her height in metre (BMI = kg/m2). A BMI of 25.0 – 29.9 is overweight, a BMI of 30.0 – 39.9 is obese. A BMI of 40.0 or higher is severely or morbidly obese.
RESOURCESFUL ARITICLES BY SYNTHIA ESTHER
- Addiction Definition And Hypothesis
- Surrendering To God's Plan
- God's Law Of Defeasance – And The Victory It Provides
- Wicked Games People Play
- Surviving The Storm
- Your Pain Has A Purpose
- My Sacred Journey Home
- Divine Destiny And The Path Of Forgiveness
- Advancing The Kingdom, Integrity
- Have Faith In God
- A Free Gift.
RECOVERY RESOURCES
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
603 Stewart St. Suite 803
Seattle, WA 98101
Business Office: (206) 382-3587 www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Helpline, 1-800-931-2237, Hours: 8 AM - Noon daily, PT.
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED)
Eating Disorders MIRROR MIRROR
Something Fishy – website on eating disorders
Please Note:
Synthia Esther articles and information are not a substitute for medical or psychological evaluation and treatment. For help with the physical, mental and emotional problems associated with eating disorders and food addictions please contact your physician and medical health professional.
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