While anorexia is much discussed in the media, there are twice as many people with bulimia. These disorders frequently appear in adolescence, a period when young women are becoming conscious of their body in a society obsessed by being thin. Some settings, like dance, fashion and film, with their specific criteria of beauty and slimness, are also the most conducive to the development of eating disorders.

While men also have eating disorders, it mostly affects young women between the ages of 10 and 26: statistics show one boy to ten girls.

Anorexia

Anorexia is characterized by a significant weight loss (which may go up to 40%) as a result of an excessive weight-reduction program, often combined with intense physical exercise and purging.

People with anorexia think they are fat when, in reality, they are extremely thin. Thus, they almost stop eating altogether and deny the existence of their problem. This denial puts the damper on any attempt at treatment, so long as they refuse to renounce their anorexia.

Dr. Jean Wilkins, Pediatrician at Sainte-Justine Hospital, and a world-renowned expert on the subject, says that anorexic adolescents are, in fact, trying to slow down puberty, since they refuse to grow up. They adopt self-destructive behaviour and resent euphoric pleasure. It is a dependency disorder similar to that of drug addicts, believes Dr. Wilkins. (Source: Forum, December 1999)

Asked why anorexia causes so much havoc among the young, Dr. Wilkins says that it is the price of performance. These are young girls who are responding to an emptiness inside, a huge emptiness. They have always been just what their parents wanted them to be: high achievers, model little girls. Then they crack and turn to controlling eating. It is their first personal achievement and they excel. They are extremely fragile and have difficulty managing the stress of normal life. (Source: Journal de Montréal, June 27, 2001)

Bulimia

As opposed to anorexia, bulimia is binge eating, generally followed by purging (self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, periods of fasting and, sometimes, excessive physical exercise). Thus, uncontrollable drives are followed by reactions triggered by the fear of putting on weight.

Those with bulimia are both depressed and disgusted by their compulsive behaviour. In the majority of cases, they attempt to hide and live in shame. Most hesitate to consult a professional in the hope of pulling out of it by themselves.

People with bulimia may be under- or overweight, and the same person can successively experience periods of anorexia and bulimia.

What should you do if you think your child or a person close to you is suffering from anorexia or bulimia?*

-- Tell them you are concerned about them and that you want to help.

-- Encourage them to consult a professional. Insist, without rushing them, that they get help. On the other hand, if their health is severely threatened, push them!

-- However, do not force them to eat, do not try to coax them with their favourite dishes or foods rich in calories and avoid remarks such as "If you eat, you'll look better," or "You'll look better when you put on a few pounds." The majority of people with anorexia or bulimia interpret these remarks as "To get better, I have to be fat."

-- Remind them that they are not alone.

-- Find yourself a support group.

-- Read up on the subject. The more you know about eating disorders, the more you will be able to help the person understand.

-- Avoid conversations about food and weight.

* adapted from a document prepared by The National Eating Disorder