Anorexia and bulimia are some of the disorders teenage girls and young women are putting themselves through each day. Eating disorders are a common problem in the United States. I believe that it is a hurtful and crude thing to do to one’s self. Girls who are bulimic or anorexic are that way for a reason. It is mainly caused by peer pressure or some kind of abuse.

According to information I found on the Web, most people with eating disorders have seen someone close to them do it before. According to Mirror-Mirror (an organization for girls with eating disorders), it is a 12-times greater chance it runs in the family. Bulimia is associated with depression and anxiety about putting on weight. Anorexia is an eating disorder marked by an extreme fear of becoming overweight leading to excessive dieting to the point of serious ill-health and sometimes death.

People with anorexia don’t only avoid chocolates, candy and sweet food. They avoid all foods. They usually limit themselves to 300 calories each day, rather than normal person’s 2,000 in a healthy diet.

Bulimia is five times more common than anorexia because most people aren’t able to starve themselves more than a day.

Actions should be taken immediately; if you know anyone with these disorders, please contact their parents. If you notice that your daughter is binge eating or if she is over exercising then she may have an eating disorder. Please talk to your kids.

Dawna Daigle