Persistent changes in eating habits, where prepubescent children stop gaining weight when they should be gaining significantly each year when they are in their active growth years; not wanting to eat with the family; frequent, prolonged trips to the bathroom during or after meals, possibly with the faucet turned on as a way of masking the sound of vomiting; excessive exercise or putting weight in the place of the most important matters; willingness to be alone. Etiology of eating disorders 1. The exact etiology is unknown. A variety of factors seem to play a role, including genetic, family behavioral, and cultural factors. In some cases, the biological systems of the brain responsible for mood and appetite are abnormally developed. 3. Patients with eating disorders often have certain problems within their families, such as insecurity about the family or overly demanding parents and siblings. 4. Another part of the explanation is the indoctrination of young people, especially young women, by the modern media, the media of economically developed countries. These indoctrinations are: “Excessive thinness is attractive”. For some young people, these indoctrinations lead to a distorted idea of personal image. 5, In addition, there are other psychiatric problems associated with —- depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder people are more inclined to have eating disorders; anorexics tend to have perfectionist traits; some bulimics have impulsive tendencies. What are the dangers of eating disorders to the somatic body? Anorexia nervosa – The most serious health risk of anorexia nervosa is death, either as a result of severe weight loss or as a result of suicide. Other problems include: 1. Heart disease: Anorexia can cause arrhythmia and myocardial atrophy, and heart disease is a common cause of death in people with anorexia. 2, hormonal changes: changes in sex hormones and thyroid hormones can cause menstrual absence (amenorrhea), infertility, bone loss and developmental delay. 3. Electrolyte imbalance: Your body needs adequate levels of electrolytes, especially calcium and potassium, to maintain the current necessary for your heart to beat. Disruption of your body’s water-electrolyte balance due to restricted eating and vomiting induced diarrhea can be fatal. 4. Neurological damage: Anorexia nervosa may cause brain and nerve damage, epilepsy, and sensory loss. 5, Blood complications: Nutritional deficiencies may cause decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the body, causing anemia and affecting the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. 6, bulimia: The associated health problems are not as severe as those of anorexia, in part because most bulimics are at normal weight levels. Complications may include: 1, teeth and gum problems: stomach acid in the mouth, because of frequent vomiting, can cause damage to teeth and gums. 2. Hypokalemia: The process of vomiting and diarrhea can cause the body to become dehydrated and lose potassium, leading to weakness and irregular heart rhythms. 3, digestive problems: vomiting and diarrhea can make the walls of the esophagus and rectum very sensitive and irritable, always vomiting and diarrhea may also cause constipation. 4, behavioral and emotional problems: bulimia can lead to depression, and may be associated with a variety of impulsive behavior, such as sexual promiscuity, theft, alcohol and drug abuse. 5. Drug abuse: A variety of over-the-counter medications, used during diarrhea, may cause drug dependence. These drugs include laxatives, diuretics, appetite suppressants, and vomit inducing drugs. If I experience anorexia or bulimia, what can I do to maintain my health? 1. Make a regular eating plan and follow it. 2. Stop eating when you are full, not until you are too full. 3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. 4.Take vitamin and mineral supplements. 5. Exercise regularly, but in moderation. What should I do if my child has an eating disorder? 1. See your doctor regularly. Discuss with your doctor about proper weight and nutrition. 2. Increase self-confidence. Participate in activities that interest and benefit the individual, such as learning a new skill, developing a hobby, or joining a club, volunteering, etc. 3.Improve the family dynamic relationship. Work to improve the atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion within the family. Often, low self-esteem may lead a child to have anorexic or bulimic behaviors. Show your child your love and look for ways to praise your child. 4. Be realistic. Don’t accept certain media portrayals of what is normal weight and ideal body shape.