Summarize the nature and possible causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which food intake is severely restricted. It is primarily seen in young women, especially in Western cultures. Women with anorexia frequently have a bizarrely distorted perception of their own bodies. They typically view themselves as being grossly obese even though they become significantly underweight. People with anorexia become severely malnourished. Other health problems can develop, including heart problems, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and loss of menstruation. Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder
characterized by binging, which involves consumption of massive amounts of food. Binges are followed by vomiting, exercise, and extensive use of laxatives, in an effort to avoid gaining weight. People with bulimia typically maintain a near normal body weight. They can suffer physical problems such as irregular heart function and damage to the throat and stomach due to excessive vomiting. The causes for eating
disorders are not clear. The emphasis on thinness for women in Western cultures may be part of the problem. Also, individuals with eating disorders may have problems regarding issues of control and perfection. Their eating disorders may be a means of feeling some sense of control or perfection in their life. Also, some individuals with eating disorders suffered some sort of abuse when they were younger. Biological factors, such as disturbances in brain mechanisms controlling hunger and satiety, as well as genetic causes, may play a role.