Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa is a real and intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. This leads to undereating and dangerous weight loss. Anorexics have a distorted self image and see themselves as overweight.

Bulimia is an obsession with body weight and shape. Bulimics go on eating binges after which, because they fear weight gain, they deliberately vomit, use laxatives or exercise strenuously. This drains the body of vital nutrients and puts a strain on organs such as the heart.

People with Anorexia or Bulimia have low self-esteem and little control over their eating behaviour. Both can lead to severe illness or even death from prolonged fasting or from severe depression.