May 2003
It might seem like anorexia and bulimia are all about food, wanting to lose weight, or vanity, but they're not! Eating disorders are about feelings. At it's core, an eating disorder is a negative coping mechanism that helps a person deal with intense emotional pain.
Eating disorders are addictions. Overeating and purging, or severely restricting food creates a numbness that is similar to the sensation that comes from using alcohol or drugs. The eating disorder behavior causes biochemical changes in the brain, creating a greater need for the behavior in order to get emotional relief. Often, sufferers require professional help to overcome anorexia and bulimia. Medical doctors, therapists, nurses, dieticians and psychiatrists can help to identify which physical, mental and emotional issues need to be addressed.
If you know someone who could be suffering from an eating disorder, the best way to help them is to educate yourself. Once they see that you really do understand the problem, they will be more likely to seek the help that they need to overcome their illness.