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Eating Disorders Research Paper

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Eating Disorders in the United States Eating disorders are becoming more common in the United States every day. The medical field should direct more focus toward diagnosing and treating eating disorders. Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder (BED), and other psychological disorders are involuntary, and often go ignored or undiagnosed. These disorders have many dangerous medical side effects, and often are not diagnosed properly. With the numbers increasing every year, eating disorders have become a serious problem for many people besides just teenage girls. Eating disorders are not quite as simple as many people have been led to believe. According to Michelle New of KidsHealth, Eating disorders are more than just going on a diet to lose …show more content…

People with binge eating disorder do not eat just because they want to or because it is fun. They eat because of the intense cravings that can rarely be satisfied without pushing the patient to the point of self disgust. Binge eating disorder is unfortunately the most common eating disorder in the United States. Healthline Media reports, “Binge eating disorder affects three times the number of people diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia combined” (Binge). Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, and is often cause for weight gain. These disorders more often than not lead to unhealthy bodily conditions as a direct result of significant weight loss or gain. “According to the American Psychiatric Association, medical professionals diagnose anorexia when a patient weighs at least 15 percent less than the normal weight for the patient’s height and age” (Medical). To be classified as anorexic, a patient must be at least 15 percent less than the healthy weight for that patient’s build, height, age, and gender. Rachel Gussin, reporter for LiveStrong, states, “Being underweight is different than being slender. Those who are underweight are putting their health, and potentially their lives, in danger” (Gussin). A person can also be classified as simply “underweight” if their BMI (body mass index) is below 18.5, but BMI does not take into account age and genetics. American Psychiatric Association also states, “Due to severe calorie restrictions, the body does not receive adequate energy through food, and its processes slow down in order to conserve energy” (Medical). Anorexia does not just affect a person’s weight, but many bodily functions as well. Lack of calories and nutrients can lower the anorexic’s body weight, among other

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