The prevalence of eating disorders in our society is a significant issue, with even children as young as 7 expressing dissatisfaction with their bodies and starting diets at age 9. Scholars have conducted research to understand and categorize these problems faced by adolescents, focusing on perceptions, behaviors, and medical issues related to anorexia and bulimia. This paper specifically examines anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as the two major eating disorders. In 1978, Brunch described anorexia nervosa as a “new disease,” primarily affecting daughters from affluent and successful families. However, it is now acknowledged that anorexia affects individuals regardless of gender or socio-economic background, although most current research predominantly focuses on females.
Anorexia nervosa involves extreme dieting, a deep fear of weight gain, and compulsive exercising which leads to various physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, cessation of menstrual cycles, insensitivity to pain, hair loss, low blood pressure cardiovascular problems, and decreased body temperature. Approximately 10% to 15% of individuals with anorexia die due to starvation while others succumb to cardiovascular dysfunction.
Bulimia nervosa is considered a less severe form of anorexia but can still lead to similar devastating consequences. It is characterized by a strong preoccupation with weight (often inaccurate), frequent cycles of binge eating followed by purging via self-induced vomiting use of laxatives or excessive exercise.The occurrence of bulimia has increased in many Western countries in the past few decades. Despite having a normal body weight, individuals with bulimia are obsessed with their weight and feel intense shame about their abnormal behaviors. They also commonly suffer from severe depression. However, it is challenging to gather precise statistics due to people’s reluctance to disclose incidents to healthcare professionals (Bee and Boyd, 2001).
In the extensive and diverse literature, the reasons why adolescents resort to extreme measures to solve their problems are explored, along with strategies for improvement. Some scholars attribute these eating disorders to societal influences, while others emphasize parental factors. Meanwhile, some argue that an internal chemical imbalance is the cause. The exact cause and experience of these disorders remain unknown; however, recovery is possible. A sensible step in the right direction involves establishing a supportive network of friends and family, combined with early childhood education.
Bulimia seems to be contributed by an unhealthy fixation on food, while anorexia is associated with an unhealthy obsession with weight. Numerous studies suggest that the media plays a role in promoting these disorders by portraying thinness as desirable. Bulimics find temporary pleasure through binging but also experience overwhelming guilt that can only be relieved through purging, thus perpetuating an unending cycle.
According to Fouts and Vaughn (2002), individuals who believe that their lives are influenced by external factors like fate and other people – referred to as having an external locus of control – were more likely to display bulimic and anorexic traits compared to those who believe in having control over their own destiny – referred to as having an internal locus of control.
Anorexics feel shame and self-hatred towards their bodies due to constant exposure to thin ideals in the media, which turns food into their sworn enemy.
The topic of sports participation can be examined from two perspectives. Some individuals engage in sports in order to lose weight, which can sometimes lead them to adopt unhealthy methods for managing their weight. The Committee on Sports Medicine Fitness states that certain sports place an emphasis on thinness or “making weight,” including bodybuilding, cheerleading, dancing, distance running, diving, figure skating, gymnastics, horse racing, rowing, swimming, weight-class football and wrestling. Athletes involved in these sports often partake in dangerous practices such as excessive exercise, prolonged fasting, vomiting and the misuse of legal and illegal substances like laxatives,
diuretics,
steroids
and diet pills. Acknowledging the associated risks,
the American Academy of Pediatrics has advised pediatricians to identify young athletes who may be at risk of developing eating disorders
and offer support regarding their nutrition (Muise et. al., 2003).
Participating in sports can improve body image and self-esteem, preventing the development of an unhealthy self-image (Elkins et.al, 2003). Adolescents often engage in physical activity through school-related activities such as walking or biking to school, attending physical education classes, or participating in organized school activities. Sports also foster lifelong friendships and teach important values of teamwork. School sports are essential for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Despite lacking athletic abilities, my involvement in the band kept me away from sedentary activities like watching television. Band practices were scheduled as early as 5:00 am or as late as 9:00 pm. My bandmates became constant companions during meals, creating a strong sense of camaraderie within our team. We always looked out for one another and prevented self-destructive behavior.
It is worth noting that only about 5% of boys suffer from anorexia and bulimia, disproving the misconception that these diseases only affect girls. Some studies suggest that males with these disorders are more likely to identify as homosexual or bisexual compared to females (Muise et.al, 2003).Further investigation is necessary to explore the connection between eating disorders and homosexuality in adolescent boys. To establish a robust correlation, additional research must be conducted to observe their eating habits and investigate how sexual orientation and peer group involvement develop as they transition into adulthood (Muise et.al, 2003). It should be emphasized that homosexual males might encounter similar societal pressures regarding weight concerns, just like females.
Bulimia may result from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, specifically a shortage of serotonin. Serotonin regulates appetite and its deficiency leads to uncontrolled and excessive eating. Consequently, individuals with bulimia feel guilt and have the compulsion to eliminate consumed food through vomiting or bowel movements immediately after meals. Eventually, vasopressin restores the normal process of food disposal. In contrast, anorexia patients lack nor-epinephrine, which stimulates appetite. In severe cases, anorexics fear weight gain so much that they lose all desire to eat anything. It has been suggested that pharmacists could potentially develop a drug inhibitor for vasopressin or an enhancer for nor-epinephrine to support recovery from these conditions.
There are several proposed solutions for addressing eating disorders in adolescents. These include early childhood education about the consequences of eating disorders, involvement in school activities and sports, television messages targeted at sedentary adolescents, and promoting a positive self-image. Additional options include counseling for adolescents displaying signs of potential eating disorders and reducing the availability of unhealthy foods in schools. Research even suggests the collaboration of dietetics professionals with school health programs to raise awareness about healthy eating habits (Gross and Cinelli, 2004).
The significance of recognizing the importance of all this cannot be underestimated. It is crucial to emphasize the value of maintaining a “healthy” physique instead of solely focusing on being thin. Prioritizing being fit is essential. Instead of praising children for their physical appearance, it is better to commend them for their actions and accomplishments. Adopting a lifelong commitment to healthy eating, rather than relying on quick-fix diets, is vital. If a child insists on dieting, they should be supervised by a medical professional. Preparing children, especially girls, for the changes that occur during puberty is crucial as these changes can mistakenly be perceived as weight gain. Encouraging an active lifestyle offers numerous benefits such as walking, dancing or biking that can be enjoyed daily.
ReferencesBee, H. and Boyd, D. (2001). Physical and cognitive development in adolescence. Lifespan Development. 3ed., 292-293.
The text mentions the book “The Golden Cage” by H. Brunch, published in 1978 and printed by Harvard University Press in Cambridge, MA.
In 2004, Elkins et al. conducted a study on inner city youth to examine how after-school activities relate to the prevalence of overweight and obesity. The findings were published in the Journal of Adolescence, volume 27, pages 181-189.
Fouts and Vaughan (2002) conducted a study in the Journal of Adolescence (Vol. 25, pp. 307-311) to examine how locus of control, television viewing, and eating disorder symptomatology are related in young females.The text talks about a study conducted by Gross and Cinelli in 2004 which discusses the collaboration between coordinated school health programs and dietetics professionals in promoting healthy eating. The study was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and specifically focuses on the partnership between these two entities.
Muise, A. M., Stein, D. G., and Arbess, G. (2003) conducted a review of the adolescent and young adult literature on eating disorders in adolescent boys in the Journal of Adolescent Health. The study is available on pages 427-435.
