Eating Disorders Health Channel

	Feature Article Binge eating Definition Binge eating is a disorder in which people eat more than they need to satisfy their hunger. Alternative Names Eating - binge Considerations The eating disorder bulimia is most common among female adolescents and young adults. People with bulimia typically eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. After this binge eating they often force themselves to vomit. They have feelings of guilt or depression. Complications from long-term bulimia include: Electrolyte abnormalities Esophagitis Gastric dilatation Lung (pulmonary) aspiration Pancreatitis Pharyngitis Tooth decay Constipation and hemorrhoids are also common in people with bulimia. Although death from bulimia is rare, the disorder can last for years. It can be as severe as, or more severe than anorexia nervosa. Common Causes The cause is unknown. However, binge eating often begins during or after strict dieting. It may be caused by the stress of not eating enough food. Home Care Take steps to reduce your stress and improve your overall health. Medication is usually not needed for this disorder. However, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. Supportive care and counseling are recommended. Continue reading this article

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Anorexia nervosa (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves limiting the amount of food a person eats. It results in starvation and an inability to stay at the minimum body weight considered healthy for the person''s age and height.Persons with this disor...Reviewer: Paul Ballas, DO, Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/20/2009

Bulimia (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of significant overeating and feels a loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods-- such as vomiting or laxative abuse-- to prevent weight gain.Many(...Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 01/15/2009

Eating disorders - resources (Doctor-Reviewed information)
The following organizations provide information on eating disorders: Academy for Eating Disorders - www.aedweb.org; National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) - www.anad.org; Overeaters Anonymous - www.oa.org. Reviewer: Jennifer K. Mannheim, CRNP, private practice in Autism Treatment and Research, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/25/2008

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