*Eating Disorders

Definition: Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and the refusal to maintain a normal body weight.
Weight Criteria: Individuals suffering from Anorexia typically have a body weight that is often below 85% of what is expected for their age and height.
Body Image Issue: Those with Anorexia have a distorted body image, perceiving themselves as "fat" even when they are underweight.
Physical Effects:
- Bone Loss: Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures due to poor nutrition.
- Heart Strain: Potential cardiovascular complications, including heart failure.
- Amenorrhea: The loss of menstruation, often due to extreme weight loss and hormonal changes.
Demographics: Approximately 90% of individuals diagnosed with Anorexia are female, and the disorder most commonly begins during adolescence.

Definition: Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (e.g., vomiting, use of laxatives).
Weight Impact: Many individuals with Bulimia manage to maintain a normal weight, but they experience severe health consequences.
Health Consequences:
- Gastric Issues: Risk of gastrointestinal complications due to frequent vomiting.
- Tooth Decay: Increased dental problems stemming from stomach acid erosion.
Binge Consumption: During binge episodes, individuals may consume between 2000 to 4000 calories in one sitting.
Demographics: Similar to Anorexia, approximately 90% of Bulimia cases occur in females, with prevalence rates reaching up to 10% among university women.

Inclusion in DSM-5: Binge Eating Disorder is recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5.
Characteristics: This disorder involves episodes of excessive eating without subsequent purging behaviors.
Impact on Individual: Individuals may experience guilt and discomfort after bingeing, leading to potential obesity over time.

Sociocultural Factors: Influences from Western culture place a high value on thinness and beauty, fostering an environment conducive to the development of eating disorders.
Personality Factors: Traits such as perfectionism, excessively high achievement standards, and a need for control are often observed in individuals with these disorders.
Family Factors: Critical or controlling parenting styles, family stress, and conflict can contribute to the onset of eating disorders.
Biological Factors:
- Genetic Predisposition: There is a higher concordance rate for these disorders in identical twins, indicating a genetic component.
- Abnormal Leptin Activity: Leptin, a hormone regulating appetite, may function abnormally, affecting hunger signals.
- Serotonin Activity: Dysregulation in serotonin levels can influence eating behavior and mood.
- Hormonal and Digestive Irregularities: These may perpetuate the cycle of disordered eating behaviors.
Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, high levels of anxiety, and depression can both lead to and maintain eating disorders.

Leptin: A hormone responsible for regulating hunger and body weight.
Amenorrhea: The absence of menstruation, commonly seen in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa due to low body weight and hormonal changes.
Binge: An episode characterized by uncontrolled eating, often in large quantities.
Purging: A compensatory behavior aimed at eliminating consumed food from the body, which can include vomiting or the use of laxatives.