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How
to deal with an eating disorder?
If
you or someone close to you has an eating disorder, help is out
there; seek it
 Andrea
writes, "To be honest I think there should be more help available to stop people from
gaining all the weight they do. The more I was told
I was fat the more I ate. I have gained 70 lbs in 4 years. That's a lot of weight but I have to grin and
bear it now because I put myself in this position and only I can get myself out of it. So I am no longer happy to be fat and that I am
on a diet; it worked before but I gave up. So this time I am
not giving it up and I am going to
reach my goal whether it be months or years. I will get there!!!"
Wow!
We always like to hear such positive messages but did you realize
that what Andrea is dealing with is an
eating disorder. She is
probably suffering from
binge eating also. While she seems to
have dealt pretty well with her disorder, most people have a very
difficult time dealing with any such disorders on their own.
(Related:
Diet
makeover)
No
one knows for sure why eating disorders happen to some people.
Even
Katherine McPhee has admitted to an eating disorder. Other
celebrities who have had some sort of disorders include
Jessica
Alba, Nicole Richie,
Geri Halliwell,
Paula Abdul,
Lindsay, Lohan,
Ashlee Simpson,
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Christina Ricci, and
Kate Beckinsale. There is disagreement among scientists but it is generally believed
that a combination of emotional and hormonal changes. Researchers believe
an
eating disorder begins with dissatisfaction of the person's body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have
low
self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat.
What
can you do as a family member or friend if someone you know has an
eating disorder?
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This person needs a lot of
emotional support. So under no circumstances should you
ridicule this person or make him/her feel bad about the
situation. On the other hand, you should arrange for an
eating disorder expert to examine her/him. Your family
doctor is the best person to approach first who can recommend an
appropriate expert.
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If you are in the same household,
depending on the situation (whether it is overeating or
under-eating) you must try to influence the menu for the meals
in a way that the person can consume healthy
amounts.
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While your doctor is a good
resource, there are many treatment centers that deal
specifically with eating disorders. These are not
hospitals per se but they operate like one. For
example,
Remuda Ranch Treatment Center provides a healing
environment in a ranch-like setting. Other programs like
Milestones, Rader, Dr. Krevoy, Del Amo Hospital, etc. provide a
combination of treatment center like facilities along with
online help.
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You must also see how serious the
disorder is. For minor disorders, for example,
over-consumption of soda or ice-cream, just motivation through
books, videos, and
online programs might be sufficient.
For severe disorders, a trip to a treatment center for weeks or
months may be needed.
Recommended links: Crash diet: good or bad?
How
to stop the cravings? Diet
myths that stop you from losing weight
What to do if I
am underweight?
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