Eating Disorders + Original Articles

Alcohol Abuse and Eating Disorders: Is There a Link?

A new study indicates a possible genetic link between these two issues. Dangerous alcohol use and having an unhealthy relationship with food can be chronic, long-term problems and claim far too many lives each year. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 6 people in the US have a drinking problem and approximately 10 million Americans are believed to suffer from potentially life-threatening eating disorders.

Women and Malnutrition

For a growing number of women, anorexia and bulimia isn't their teen's problem; it's theirs. Learn more about this very real health issue. We all want to look our best so paying attention to the number on the scale and temporarily restricting calories after a weekend of over eating-or dieting periodically— can be a healthy way to control our weight. But for some women, counting calories and/or exercising excessively is a dangerous obsession that puts their health at risk.

Someone's Gained Weight: What to Say (and Not Say)

If someone near to you has recently gained weight, you may feel it's your duty to say something, but consider this expert insight first. Someone you care about has gained a noticeable amount of weight and you're wondering if you should say something about it. The answer is "no," according to Claire Mysko of the National Eating Disorders Association. She says that your words can end up making the situation worse.

Bigorexia: A Dangerous Pursuit of the Perfect Body

Learn more about this little-known, mental-health issue that can lead to harmful eating and exercise habits. A person living with bigorexia is a person who lives with shame. Although he works out compulsively—and would be considered fit and muscular by most people—he never feels satisfied with his body and is overcome with the irrational perception that he looks small and puny.

Could You Have Treatment-Resistant Depression?

While medication generally provides significant relief from depression, many patients find their symptoms persist. A variety of factors can contribute to treatment-resistant depression; however, with a bit of know-how, you can find a treatment regimen that works. While antidepressant medications generally provide significant relief from depression, 10 to 30 percent of patients find their symptoms persist. Some patients experience only minimal improvement; others find their symptoms don't subside at all or return after a brief improvement.

Men Suffer From Anorexia, Too

If it seems that a man in your life is obsessively preoccupied with trying to stay slim, don't shrug it off as something harmless. There are a significant number of men and boys who suffer from anorexia nervosa. When we hear about the latest female model or actress who has battled anorexia nervosa, it serves to reinforce the notion that anorexia is a "female" disease. And while it's true that the overwhelming percentage of anorexia sufferers are girls and women, there exists a significant number of men and boys who have the condition as well-between five and 15 percent of all people who suffer from anorexia, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Are Eating Disorders Genetic?

Genetics play a significant role in mental health disorders. Individuals who have one or more family members with a mental health disease are more likely to develop a brain disorder than those without a family history. This link holds true for eating disorders as well. Genetics play a significant role in mental health disorders. Individuals who have one or more family members with a mental health disease are more likely to develop a brain disorder than those without a family history. This link holds true for eating disorders as well.

Recognizing Binge Eating in Kids and Teens

When food replaces personal relationships or when overeating is a response to stress or depression, a potentially life-threatening situation can occur. When food replaces personal relationships or when overeating is a response to stress or depression, a potentially life-threatening situation can occur. "We all engage in over eating at times," says Melissa Katz, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.

Could You Have Selective Eating Disorder?

The National Eating Disorders Association estimates that about 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders. It's the rare child who doesn't turn up his nose at certain foods, or who goes through stages of eating only a limited number of foods. While most picky eaters outgrow this behavior, some children carry it into adulthood. Mental health experts are beginning to recognize picky eating as a serious eating disorder.

The Truth About Binge Eating

You ve probably heard of anorexia and bulimia, two widely recognized eating disorders. However, binge eating disorder is far more prevalent. You've probably heard of anorexia and bulimia, two widely recognized eating disorders. However, binge eating disorder is far more prevalent. It affects roughly 3.5 percent of American women and 2 percent of men, and occurs more frequently in minorities.

Popular Health Centers

Advertisement