Summer Is a Good Time to Seek Eating Disorder Treatment

Teens and young adults struggling with an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, often find it difficult to ask for help. They often make an excuse to themselves “it’s not the right time” to address the disorder due to school or other obligations. Feelings of embarrassment and shame can accompany eating disorders that make the sufferer reluctant to seek treatment during the school year as they do not wish to disclose their issue and risk judgment from peers.

Compounding things even more, eating disorders often accelerate as the temperature rises. Summer is particularly difficult if you struggle with your body image. Warm weather means shedding the heavy winter clothes and heading to the beach or backyard pool. Unfortunately, for many young women desperate to take off a few winter pounds or already actively restricting their food intake, this time of year can lead them down a dangerous path to unhealthy behaviors.

The Effects of Anorexia and Bulimia On Your Oral Health

Woman at the dentist

Were you aware that as many as 10 million women and girls suffer from anorexia and/or bulimia, in the United States alone? Additionally, another 25 million people in the U.S. struggle with binge eating disorders. The statistics are alarming. However, what is even more surprising is how few of these women seek out professional treatment, and how good those that suffer from eating disorders are at hiding their affliction.

Self-Harm and Eating Disorders

Self-injury is defined as the intentional, direct injury of body tissue without suicidal intent. The most common form of self-harm involves cutting on the skin using a sharp object and is becoming more prevalent in the U.S., especially in those with eating disorders. In fact, in the most general sense of the term, eating disorders are a form of self-harm to a female’s own health and body.

Adult Women and Eating Disorders

Contrary to what many people believe, eating disorders afflict women of all ages, not just teenagers and young adults. This is particularly concerning because while the symptoms of eating disorders in older women are not very different from eating disorders found in younger women, the causes and triggers can be dramatically different.

International No Diet Day

Today, May 6, is one of The Meadows Ranch’ favorite days – it’s “International No Diet Day.” It is a day to celebrate because it is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and body acceptance. This day also raises awareness of the potential dangers of eating disorders and diets.

Many eating disorders begin with individuals who are overweight, or perceive themselves to be overweight, and are striving to get healthy by dieting. While there are diets prescribed for medical reasons, such as those for diabetics, most people relate the term ‘diet’ to a short-term, highly restrictive program designed for maximum weight loss in the shortest timeframe.