Anorexia v. Bulimia

“For whatever reason, strangers feel they have a right to criticize you and your appearance and behaviors.” To my sister, what these people thought meant the world to her. Eating disorders are classified as mental disorders which are understood to have multiple roots, including depression, low self-esteem, sexual/physical abuse history, and a perfectionist attitude. While all of these elements are important to consider, the cultural and societal aspect is arguably one of the most significant factors to observe. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two of the most recognized eating disorders in North America. Both disorders involve self-destructive conduct that develops from a goal to lose weight. Anorexia is characterized by starvation dieting, excessive exercising, and an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia, though marked by a similar fear of weight gain, is distinguished by episodes of binge eating, purging by vomiting, and excessive exercise possibly with the aid of diet ...