(UNESP - 2004)Could You or Someone You Care About

(UNESP - 2004) 

Could You or Someone You Care About Have an Eating Disorder?

In a culture where thinness is too often equated with physical attractiveness, success, and happiness, nearly everyone has dealt with issues regarding the effect their weight and body shape can have on their self-image. However, eating disorders are not about dieting or vanity; they're complex psychological disorders in which an individual's eating patterns are developed - and then habitually maintained - in an attempt to cope with other problems in their life.

Each year, more than 5 million Americans are affected by serious and often life-threatening eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, binge-eating, bulimia nervosa, compulsive eating, and obesity. Left untreated, the emotional, psychological and physical consequences can be devastating, even fatal. Eating disorders know no class, cultural, or gender boundaries and can affect men, women, adolescents, and even children, from all walks of life.

(Extraído de http://www.eating-disorder.com/)

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