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

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There are a wide variety of treatment options available for people suffering from eating disorders.

The Mayo Clinic website advises those who are seeking treatment to take the time to learn about their disorder and find the eating disorder treatment program that is best for them:

Getting the right eating disorder treatment for a condition such as anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder is essential to prevent it from worsening or causing serious health problems. Eating disorder treatment generally involves a team of health professionals and includes psychotherapy, nutrition education, and sometimes medication.

Overcoming an eating disorder is challenging. But choosing the right treatment and the right team can help you manage symptoms, maintain a healthy weight, and maintain both your physical and mental health. ...

You are the most important member of your treatment team. In order for your treatment to be a success, you need to be actively involved with your treatment and informed about your eating disorder, and so do your family members.

Labels: treatment, advice

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A young woman in Kentucky wrote to the Dear Abby advice column, asking what she should do to help her younger sister, who appears to be anorexic. "Marni," as she calls her sister, has lost a significant amount of weight and is "literally skin and bones," though she says she fine. The sister doesn't know what to do, and their mother seems oblivious to the problem.

"Dear Anxious: Marni is NOT fine.... Throwing up after meals and taking laxatives are symptoms of a severe, life-threatening eating disorder... You should tell your mother immediately what she has been doing because her life could depend on it."

Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, though sufferers rarely get the treatment they need. If you suspect that a friend or family member has an eating disorder, get help right away. Source: Arizona Daily Star

Labels: support, advice, friends

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Feeling she had nowhere else to turn, a young college student wrote to an advice columnist to seek help for the bulimia she's struggled with for four years. Her family has turned their backs on her, and with little money and no insurance, she doesn't know where to go for help.

"...you must be willing to get help, no matter what form it comes in. On-campus counseling is more beneficial than you realize, and even short-term assistance can help."

The advice columnist goes on to suggest that the writer contact the National Eating Disorders Association, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders, or her local church, United Way, or YMCA. Even a little help, she says, is better than no help at all. Source: The Herald Tribune - Florida

Labels: treatment, support, advice

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At the time this article was posted (in 2001), Emily was 21 years old and had struggled with an eating disorder for six years. She had also been in recovery for a year.

"And after months and months of searching for that one big break through that would explain to me why I rather spend a Friday night in bed from exhaustion or over a toilet, than out with my friends, I began to realize that it is the tiniest revelations that will help you in your struggle to overcome an eating disorder."

Her simple words of experience offer advice and hope for those still battling to overcome. Read more at Something-Fishy.org.

Labels: support, advice

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