Do you think you're the only one?
If you think you're the only one that feels the way you do... hate to say it... but you're wrong.
When you read this page, you might think to yourself, "Oh, she doesn't know what she's talking about!!" or "how would she know how I feel?" I've done some extensive research on eating disorders and have found...
Technically, an eating disorder is an obsession over food and/or weight that harms a person's well-being.
Eating disorders can be harmful to yourself and other.
Not just female teens are tainted with a reputation of having eating disorders.
Believe it or not, guys are concerned with their weights too.
Experts aren't really sure what triggers eating disorders.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE... over eight million people in the US have eating disorders, just like yours.
About 90% of all people with eating disorders are female.
Eating disorders usually start in teens, even as early as eight.
Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating are some types of eating disorders.
Okay, now I got some explaining to do, huh?
There are three main types of eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.
Anorexia is when people believe that they are over weight or "fat." They try to starve themselves and become so caught up in it that the eat only a little, every so often.
Bulimia is usually when a person 'binge eats' which is followed by periods of vomiting and/or excessive exercise. This usually repeated a couple times a day.
People that binge eat usually preoccupied with food and/or weight gain.
If you have a friend that you think might have a problem, tell her it's okay! Everything will be fine if you just take it step by step.
If you think that you or a friend might have a problem, you can contact the links at the bottom.
Here are some tips on confronting your friend about her problem without upsetting her.
It always helps to talk to someone that doesn't judge or point fingers at you.
Eating disorders are a touchy topic for some people so be sensitive.
Put your self in her shoes. It might not be so easy living the life of your friend.
Trust me, I hear you. 'But what if my friend isn't the only one with a secret...'
You can't keep it all to yourself. There are probably three billion other people in the world that don't like the way they look. It's not just you.
I want to feel better about myself... but HOW!
Well the first
thing is, make a list of things you're good at. Look at your list.
You know, not everybody can chug a one liter apple juice in 13.5 seconds!
Sports are a really good outlet. But not everyone is good at sports.
Some people are better in academics! Well, you're in luck!! Cumberland Middle School and Cumberland High School students are offered a program called, "ACE." If you're in ACE, you get to complete in academic competitions around the state.
You could be really good in those kinds of things plus they're a lot of fun!
For additional information about eating disorders, check out the following web sites!!
Remember, please seek help! You are worth it!!!
National Eating Disorders Association