Compare And Contrast Anorexics And Bulimia Nervosa
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It is estimated by the national Association of anorexia and associated disorders that 30 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder. Even though so many people suffer from these dangerous disorders, many people know nothing of the differences between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the two most commonly known of eating disorders. Although both disorders are used as a coping mechanism, they are caused by different things, are executed differently, and have differing health complications. One way in which anorexics and bulimics differ is their methods of weight control. Anorexics control their weight by restricting their food intake. Many do this by counting calories to be way bellow health standards. This results in major weight loss, and for this reason anorexics are underweight. On the other hand, bulimics eat large amounts of high calorie foods in a short amount of time and then purge in hopes of preventing weight gain. However, purging or throwing up food only makes them lose up to fifty percent of the calories consumed. Laxatives only reduces calorie intake by ten percent, which is why bulimics are often an average weight or only slightly overweight. Anorexics and bulimics consume themselves…show more content… Because of the lack of nutrients and vitamins in the small portions of food anorexics constrict themselves to, they often have brittle nails and hair. In the short-term, they also experience bad memory, amenorrhea, fainting, and headaches. However, in the long term, this disorder can lead to heart failure and ultimately death. Bulimics that purge experience dehydration, tooth decay, and ulcers. This is because of the acid in the stomach that come up through the throat and mouth when one throws up. It can also lead to an irregular heart beat and