Download Eating Disorders

Darius Portela
Youth Culture & Conflicts
Professors Holland and Bancroft
May 3, 2005
THE DANGERS OF EATING DISORDERS
Raymond E. Vath, M.D. states, “eating disorders are a disease that must
be treated with care and competence.”1 It is strange to think that in some nations
people starve, looking forward to a day when they can once again taste food,
while in other, more wealthy nations, people will abstain from food altogether.
Both groups might experience some of the same physical problems, due to
starvation, but those in the second group, whether ailed by the deadly anorexia
nervosa or by the widespread bulimia nervosa, suffer spiritually as well. This
research paper seeks to expose the dangers of anorexia nervosa and bulimia,
ending with a word of hope and exhortation from the Scriptures.
Eye-Opening Statistics2
Eating disorders affect mainly women, but are not restricted to them:

Approximately 7 million girls and women struggle with eating disorders

Approximately 1 million boys and men struggle with eating disorders
Eating disorders are widespread:

0.5% - 3.7% of females suffer from Anorexia Nervosa in their lifetime

1.1% - 4.2% of females suffer from Bulimia Nervosa in their lifetime

2% - 5% of the American population experience Binge Eating Disorder

10% - 25% of all those battling anorexia will die as a direct result of the
eating disorder

Up to 19% of college aged women in America are bulimic
1
Raymond E. Vath, M.D. Counseling Those With Eating Disorders, (Waco, Texas: Word
Books, 1986), p. 10
2
The following statistics come from: Nikki Katz, Your Guide to Women’s Issues, (About,
Inc. 2005), <http://womensissues.about.com/cs/eatingdisorders/a/edstats.htm>
1
College women are very mindful of their weight:

As many as 10% of college women suffer from a clinical or nearly clinical
eating disorder, including 5.1% who suffer from Bulimia Nervosa

25% of college-aged women binge purge to manage their weight

91% of women surveyed on a college campus had at one point dieted to
control their weight

22% of them were dieting often or always
Treatment can help many of those in a disorder:

With treatment, about 60% of people with eating disorders recover

In spite of treatment, about 20% of people with eating disorders make only
partial recoveries

20% do not improve, even with treatment
Eating disorders begin at a young age:

10% report onset of illness at 10 years or younger

33% report onset between ages of 11-15

43% report onset between ages of 16-20
These three statistics, when added together, indicate that 86% of those with
eating disorders started before they were 21, mainly affecting those in Junior
High, High School, and College. It is important for those interested in Youth
Ministries to understand this, for they will probably be one of the first people
those with eating disorders will look to for help.
Anorexia Nervosa
Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary defines Anorexia Nervosa as “a
serious eating disorder primarily of young women in their teens and early
twenties that is characterized especially by a pathological fear of weight gain
leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition, and usually excessive weight
2
loss.”3 It is more deadly than bulimia because of the multiple organ traumas that
come about because of starvation. This culminates into heart failure, for it is
unable to keep up with the metabolism required by the body.4 Raymond E. Vath,
M.D. notes that this eating disorder affects one’s mental, cardiovascular, kidney,
blood cell, glandular, and musculoskeletal function.5 The following is based on
information from his book entitled Counseling Those with Eating Disorders.
Mental Function
The lack of adequate nutrition can affect the brain in many adverse ways.
An anorexic woman might find herself to be fat, when she is not, simply because
of a processing error of a starving brain. Vath concludes that once she returns to
her normal weight, the delusion is often reduced or eliminated.6 Moreover, those
who suffer from anorexia experience compulsive cravings, which might be
caused because of a physiologic hunger for missing vitamins, minerals, proteins,
sugars, and fats. Another known occurrence with anorexics is that the lack
Vitamin A sometimes causes their night vision to be impaired. There is a known
relation between eating disorders and depression, and in anorexics, as well as
with bulimics, there exists a higher incidence of seizure disorders when
compared to the general population.
Cardiovascular Function
As a result of starvation, the heart will shrink. The weakened heart results
in low blood pressure and poor organ perfusion, harming the metabolic process.
3
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, (Merriam-Webster, Inc.: 2002)
Vath. p. 43-44
5
Vath p. 40-42
6
Vath. p.40
4
3
Another direct outcome of the anorexic’s meager intake of food is a deficiency of
sodium, magnesium, calcium, and, most importantly, potassium salts. When
potassium salts are not present in their optimal levels, it can cause electrical
defects in the heart. These are especially dangerous for they can lead to sudden
cardiac arrest, or even death.
Digestive Function
Once again, malnutrition is the culprit for a shortage in the proteins from
which digestive enzymes are made in the pancreas and liver. Insufficient
amounts of these enzymes result in an impaired digestion. This often bloats the
anorexic person, making her think that she is gaining weight when she is really
suffering from lack of nutrients. Another dangerous effect of anorexia occurs
when the lack of nutrients impairs the liver from functioning properly. If it is not
able to keep a proper amount of protein in one’s bloodstream, then its osmotic
pressure will fall. Once this happens, water leaks into the peripheral tissues,
causing an abnormal buildup of fluid between tissue cells. Potbellies come as a
result of the fluid accumulating in the abdominal cavity, and sadly an anorexic
person also often interprets this bloating as obesity, when in fact it is caused by
malnutrition.
Kidney Function
A weakened heart, poor perfusion, and a poor nutrition all contribute to a
kidney that is unable to clear the blood of toxic wastes, resulting in even greater
metabolic collapse. Another side-effect of this malfunction is that there is less
4
fluid preservation, overloading even more the anorexic’s already weakened
heart.
Blood Cell Function
Vath records that one in two anorexics have a low white blood cell count,
and one in four have a low red blood cell count.7 The danger of not having
enough white blood cells is that it impairs one’s immunity. Not having enough red
blood cells leads to anemia and weakness, two things that anorexics, already in
a weakened state, could really do without.
Glandular Function
The thyroid gland is almost always damaged since the body tries to lower
metabolism in order to conserve tissue. The end results are cold intolerance, dry
skin, and brittle hair. Another sad effect of anorexia occurs when the person’s
weight drops to below 70% of the ideal. At that point the body’s hormonal
functions revert back to what they were before puberty, pausing the menstrual
periods. There is yet another chemical imbalance present in anorexics, for
steroid (cortisone) levels are much higher in them than is normal. Interestingly,
this chemical imbalance is found also in depressed patients, and can be
interpreted as either “a cause or an effect of the illness.”8
Musculoskeletal Function
Anorexics experience large amounts of calcium loss from both their bones
and teeth. This leads to premature osteoporosis, and is evidenced by fracturing
as well as by loss of height as vertebrae collapse.
7
8
Vath p.41
Vath p. 42
5
Bulimia Nervosa
Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary defines bulimia as “a serious eating
disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating
usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is
often accompanied by guilt and depression.”9 As the statistics in the beginning of
this paper show, bulimia is much more common than anorexia. While it is not as
deadly, it can still kill or permanently damage ones bodes. Once again, this
research paper will draw its information from Vath’s description of the negative
physiological results that occur as a result of this eating disorder. He writes that it
mainly affects one’s mental, cardiovascular, digestive, glandular, and
musculoskeletal function.10
Mental Function
Bulimics eat compulsively, even to a greater extent than anorexics. This
might be caused as a result of the body desiring nutrients. If throwing up
happens too much, one can become confused as well as disorientated because
of an imbalance between the salt and water contained in their bodies. This is
further evidenced for they experience high rates of seizures as well, since
vomiting makes the body lose too many salts.
Cardiovascular Function
Another result of the great salt and water imbalances in bulimics is that
there is a high risk of cardiac arrest—even higher than in anorexics. This is also
9
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, (Merriam-Webster, Inc.: 2002)
Vath p. 42-43
10
6
the main cause of death for bulimics.11 Ipecac, a vomit inducer used to treat
accidental poisoning12, is abused by many bulimics, and it can lead to death
because of the toxic effect that it has on the heart muscle.
Digestive Function
There are three dangers in this aspect of bulimia. Firstly, if there is
frequent vomiting an inflammation of the esophagus might occur, also known as
esophagitis.13 Once the inflamed tissue becomes weakened, there is a possibility
that it will rupture during vomiting. If this happens the person must seek medical
assistance urgently in order to prevent death. Chronic esophagitis narrows and
scars the esophagus, making swallowing difficult. If it reaches this point, surgery
is indispensable.
A second danger comes about if one abuses laxatives, for the colon can
become weak and dilated, ultimately leading to intractable constipation. One can
only regain normal function after years, if at all. It is important to note that
laxatives do not prevent weight gain unless damage to the small bowel occurs,
preventing it from absorbing nutrients.
Third, as a result of the acidic stomach contents constantly acting against
one’s teeth, they begin to erode. Unexplained tooth pains come about as a result
of this, and could be used as a sign to know if someone being counseled is still
excessively vomiting. Unfortunately, loss of teeth can eventually take place if the
damage becomes excessive.
11
Vath p. 44
Vath p. 40
13
Vath p. 43
12
7
Glandular Function
The paratid glands swell up in bulimics, much like with those that have
mumps. Vath describes that it gives the bulimic “a chipmunk-like appearance.”14
Musculoskeletal Function
Once again, vomiting can lower the potassium found in bulimics to a
dangerous level, resulting in frightening and painful muscle spasms.
How Can One Overcome This?
One can clearly deduce from this lengthy list of negative effects produced
by both anorexia and bulimia that those involved in it are steadily progressing
towards complete self-destruction. If the elements involved were merely physical,
people would logically quit their bad habits, but that is far from the truth. It is good
to note that in Eating Disorders: The Facts Suzanne Abraham and Derek
Llewellyn-Jones explain 5 prevalent theories on why people would submit
themselves to such self-destructing behavior. The first one is called the
developmental and learning theory explanation; second, the social explanation;
third, the psychological explanation; fourth, the physiological explanation; and
fifth the genetic explanation.15
However, as Elyse Fitzpatrick explains in her book Love to Eat, Hate to
Eat, all the previous theories point to outside forces, whereas the Bible teaches
that people will be held accountable before God for their own actions, as is
taught in Romans 14:12, “So then each one of us shall give account of himself to
14
Vath p. 43
Suzanne Abraham and Derek Llewellyn-Jones, Eating Disorders: The Facts, (New
York, New York: Oxford University Press, 1997), p. 35
15
8
God.” Therefore, eating disorders are a form of sin, and one should not justify
ungodly behavior by saying that it is not their fault.16 However, it is worthy of note
that Fitzpatrick does not believe eating disorders are solely mental or spiritual
problems, agreeing that some might have real physiological roots,17 so for
effective change it is best to not only seek counseling, but also to see one’s
physician.
If one ignores the fact that bulimics and anorexics are in sin, then that
person is turned away from the only source of true help: Jesus Christ.18 And what
an amazing starting place He is! Patricia A. Miller, in her book entitled Quick
Scripture Reference for Counseling Women has organized different biblical
passages that can help women to change. In her chapter concerning eating
disorders one can find Bible verses used in six different one-sentence
applications.19
Scripture teaches in Jeremiah 17:5, “Cursed is the man who trusts in
mankind, and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the
LORD.” This cursed man today is a by-product of a society where having the
perfect body is equated with success. Many that experience eating disorders,
especially binge eaters, only torture themselves because they seek to obtain the
perfect, unrealistic body. However, the Bible has the answer on who people
should really place their trust on. Jeremiah 17:7 teaches that, “Blessed is the
16
Elyse Fitzpatrick, Love to Eat, Hate to Eat, (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House
Publishers, 1999), p. 66-67
17
Fitzpatrick p. 18
18
Fitzpatrick p. 100
19
Patricia A. Miller, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Women (Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books, 2003), p. 70-72
9
man who trusts in the LORD, and whose trust is the LORD.” Rather than trusting
in one’s body, one should trust in the Lord.
Moreover, Colossians 3:5 teaches that to focus on self is idolatry20, “Put to
death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality,
impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” One should never be
focusing on anyone other than the Lord, or else he is in sin. Food, and the
nutrients contained in it, should not be denied the body, for it is by them that the
Lord has ordained for human bodies to function. To willfully go contrary to this is
to try to take matters into one’s own hands, denying God Lordship over one’s life.
Another passage in Scripture that shows this self-destructing practice as a
sin is found in 1 Corinthians 6:20 which teaches that, “For you have been bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” By destroying His temple (1 Cor.
3:16-17) one is defiling something sacred. Finally, another Biblical example of
how one should take care of his body can be found in Ephesians 5:29, where
Christ taking care of the church is exemplified by one’s care of his or her body.
Thankfully, the Lord is graceful, and one is reassured in 1 John 1:9 that, “If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If they trust in Christ, they can turn to Him
in order to be completely cleansed from their sin. Instead of destroying their
bodies as a result of evil desires, one should willfully follow what is taught in
Romans 12:1, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present
20
Miller p. 71
10
your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual
service of worship.”
Anorexia and bulimia have claimed too many lives already. Even if
one does not die as a direct result of either of these eating disorders, they are
still causing irreparable physical damage to themselves. Not only is the damage
done in a physical sense, but those with eating disorders suffer spiritually as well.
Thankfully, as was just shown through the comforting and convicting words found
in Scripture, Christ can mend that part of them back together. True faith in Jesus
is the most effective way for one to break the bondage of sin.
11
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Raymond E. Vath, M.D. Counseling Those With Eating Disorders, (Waco,
Texas: Word Books, 1986)
2. Nikki Katz, Your Guide to Women’s Issues, (About, Inc. 2005),
<http://womensissues.about.com/cs/eatingdisorders/a/edstats.htm>
3. Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, (Merriam-Webster, Inc.: 2002)
4. Suzanne Abraham and Derek Llewellyn-Jones, Eating Disorders: The
Facts, (New York, New York: Oxford University Press, 1997)
5. Elyse Fitzpatrick, Love to Eat, Hate to Eat, (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest
House Publishers, 1999)
6. Patricia A. Miller, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Women
(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003)
12