Why do People Get Eating Disorders?

More than 5 million people in this country suffer from eating disorders. This problem is growing at an alarming rate. An eating disorder is like any other addiction. You know it can kill you, but you don't have any control over it. It is like an alcoholic. He knows his drinking can kill him, but he does it anyway. It is the nature of the disease, but that does not mean that it can not be treated.

Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders are not about eating or being skinny. They are about control and self-expression. A person with an eating disorder usually feels that other areas of their life are out of control and their eating or lack of it is the one thing they do have control over.

Their dieting may start about being thin and beautiful, because that is what is considered desirable in our society today. They want to be perfect, but then the dieting goes too far. These disorders are very complicated and take long and intensive treatment. Many people that suffer from eating disorders never do recover.

Eating disorders happen mostly in young women with a history of dieting. Most people are predisposed to these disorders and have addictive tendencies. When they are faced with life’s problems, they do not cope the same way as most people do. Like any other addict, if they can't control situations in their life, they will find something that they can control or get comfort from and that is the way they deal with food.

For a long time, a person with an eating disorder may be able to keep it hidden. This makes it even harder to make changes, because this person has suffered in silence for so long they do not know how to open up to other people. Learning to trust and talk to other people is a very important when it comes to person with an eating disorder recovering.

Unfortunately, eating disorders will eventually have severe consequences. They will affect your heart, kidneys and liver. It causes osteoporosis and muscle deterioration. It also weakens your immune system and causes anemia. As many as 20 percent of all people, who suffer from eating disorders, will die from their disease.

Eating disorders are very complicated and learning how to recover from this disorder is a lifelong process, but with time and professional help a person is able to make significant strides towards living a normal life. Getting help and learning to trust again is the key.

Marjorie Salada is the owner of Weight Loss 3000, a website that contains information on weight loss, exercise, weight loss surgery and living a healthy lifestyle.