Almost everyone worries about their weight occasionally. People with eating disorders take such concerns to extremes.
People with anorexia nervosa, have a distorted body image that causes them to see themselves as overweight even when they’re dangerously thin. Often refusing to eat, exercising compulsively, and developing unusual habits such as refusing to eat in front of others, they lose large amounts of weight and may even starve to death.
Individuals with bulimia nervosa eat excessive quantities, and then purge their bodies of the food and calories they fear by using laxatives, enemas, or daytime diuretics, vomiting or exercising. Often acting in secrecy, they feel disgusted and ashamed as they binge; yet relieved of tension and negative emotions once their stomachs are empty again.
Therapy can help restore a healthy attitude towards eating.
