eating disorders

What is an eating disorder? We hear some people say bulimia or anorexia nervosa and we often wonder why these maladaptive behavior toward eating is becoming so rampant. The difference between these two lies on how people eat. People with bulimia often binge eat and purge while anorexic people seldom put food in their mouth instead they chase food around their plate to show that they have eaten something. In recent years, eating disorders are getting more attention from people around the world. The first time I heard about anorexia nervosa was when Karen Carpenter died of its complications. Back then, I was curious why someone as well-known and rich would succumb to such illness. Time passed and I learned that many factors lead to eating disorders. Some people may have low self esteem because they were obese as children and were often the target of ridicule. In some cases, the need to look good can some times derail ones thinking about food, exercise and diet pills. However, peoples awakening about these problems have save many lives. More and more people are coming forward and are acknowledging that they are sick.