Eating disorders: Health24: Psychology

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Eating disorders

We've all heard of anorexia and bulimia. But how do you know if someone is in trouble? And what can you do to help? (Image: iStock)

Perfect perfectionists-Anorexics

Anorexics, who risk their health in the quest for a perfect body, are more likely to be perfectionists in all aspects of their lives than people without eating disorders.

How is anorexia diagnosed?

Intense fear of gaining weight, and disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight is experienced, are some of the features of anorexia nervosa. How is a diagnosis made?

A shift in prevalence

Eating disorders have long been thought to be found only amongst young, upper middle class girls. This picture has now changed.

The obese personality

Our psychological makeup plays an important role in either promoting or preventing obesity. DietDoc comments.

Obesity all in the mind?

If obesity were only due to overeating, weight-loss programmes would be the simple answer. But why do so many people struggle to lose weight? The answer may be in the mind.

An obsession that could kill

Anorexia generally starts in the middle teenage years, and by the age of 15, can affect as many as one girl in every 150, says Health24's CyberShrink.

Anorexia nervosa can damage liver

An extremely poor nutritional status resulting from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa can result in acute and profound alterations in liver function, a new study indicates.

Manorexia forum

When it comes to eating disorders, not only women are affected. This forum focuses on eating disorders among men.

'All I want is to be slim'

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are not just about food. It is a survival mechanism to help individuals cope with their lives.

Destructive images of beauty

We look at the sharp contrast between a beautiful, sexy female form and the emaciated image which is dished up as beauty on TV.

Telltale signs of anorexia

Is someone you love wasting away? Read the signs and take action before it’s too late.

How is bulimia diagnosed?

Binge eating, lack of control and inappropriate compensatory behaviour to prevent weight gain are some of the essential features of bulimia nervosa. How is a diagnosis made?

Family dinners may hinder anorexia

Gathering around the family dinner table each evening may help lower risks for eating disorders in girls, suggests a University of Minnesota study.

How to help anorexics and bulimics

Helping loved ones with eating disorders is a particularly difficult thing to do. But as eating disorders are so destructive, it is something that needs to be done - without delay.

Dying to be thin

French politicians have called for stiff penalties against 'pro-anorexia' websites and publications - a move that has highlighted the risks of excessive dieting once more.