** This thread discusses the content article: Eating Disorders: Binging, Purging, and Starvation **

Why people binge, purge, and starve and what those things do to your body:


Many people think a strict rotation of binging (eating a lot) and purging (forcing yourself to throw it up) can help them reach or stay at an ideal weight.  Others try starvation.  But binging, purging, and starvation can actually slow our metabolism down and make it harder for us to lose weight.  

Purging leads to a lot of serious issues, some of which are caused by our own stomach acid.  Our stomach was designed to handle our stomach acid.  But other areas of our body were not.  And if you purge, you're exposing some parts of your body to more stomach acid than they were ever meant to be exposed to. The acid may cause tooth decay, tooth loss, and erosion of the esophagus.   Purging can also lead to osteoporosis, heart problems, low blood pressure, fainting, hair loss, low body temperature, bowel problems, and even death.  The salivary glands may also swell, giving a person a "chipmunk face."


Starvation can lead to a slow metabolism, kidney problems, heart problems, fainting, trouble concentrating, swollen joints, and anemia.  When we don't get enough food often enough our body goes into what is called starvation mode.  Our body says, "Whoa.  I don't know what is going on with food out there, but it must be scarce or something.  I am going to hold onto what I have."  Our metabolism slows down.  Our body tries to hold onto any extra fat reserves that it has and may even start eating away at internal organs.  If we start eating normally again after a period of starvation we'll usually gain back any weight that was lost, but some of the other health issues may be permanent.


Binging often goes hand in hand with purging.  But some people (especially athletes) binge without purging in an effort to bulk up or make certain weight requirements.  This can be dangerous too because it can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.  People who binge to bulk up may also be more likely to purge or starve if their weight gets higher than they'd like.


People with eating disorders are also more likely to have negative thoughts, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.


What causes eating disorders?


We're still not sure what causes eating disorders, but it seems that the media may be the biggest culprit.  Many models and famous people have faces and bodies that are unrealistic for the rest of us.  But they also have professional hair dressers and makeup artists.  And when they're in magazines or on billboards, they have professional airbrushers too.


Most of us know that and don't go overboard when it comes to comparing ourselves to anyone on a magazine cover.  But people with mental disorders, people who are already suffering from depression or low self-esteem, kids, and many other people might not know better.  And even the most mentally healthy among us can actually suffer from a drop in self-esteem just from looking at those magazine pictures and billboards for too long.


How to reach or maintain a healthy weight:


In order to reach or maintain a healthy weight people should eat healthy food often.  Six small meals a day is recommended now instead of the traditional three.  When we eat enough food and when we eat it often, our body doesn't get scared or go into starvation mode.  That means our metabolism runs high, and we're able to burn fat easier.  A good diet contains plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.


What to do if you you or someone you know might have an eating disorder:


People with eating disorders often know that their diet is unhealthy, but they're at a point where they've just plain lost control of the situation.  If you know someone who is binging, purging, starving themselves, or doing something else unhealthy, talk to them about it and urge them to get help.  Eating disorders often get worse on their own.  But they get better with professional help in over 90% of cases.  There are a lot of support groups and hotlines out there too.  For help or for more information visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ or call 1-800-931-2237 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm PST.