Which eating disorder is worse, anorexia or bulimia? A woman identified as "Juliet from Elkhart, Indiana" sent this question to Dr. Robert Wallace, who writes a medical information column on the website of the Post-Tribune newspaper.

Juliet wrote that her cousin is anorexic, and her cousin's sister is bulimic. In his response, which was posted Nov. 8, Dr. Wallace noted that both disorders can be dangerous, but anorexia patients are more likely to die as a result of their condition:

Most experts would agree that with everything equal, those suffering from anorexia are at greatest risk because they always feel "fat" and rarely admit that they have a problem. On the other hand, bulimics are aware that their eating habits are abnormal, but they find it very difficult to stop for fear of becoming overweight. A higher percentage of anorexics die from their eating disorder.

Labels: bulimia, anorexia, advice

Posted By: Aspen/CRC