Could that extra weight be from constipation?

Q. I have been binge eating for the past few days, but I jumped on the scales and noticed I was unhealthily heavy. I gained 8 pounds but look the same... I've taken 3 laxatives because when I come to think of it, I actually haven't been to the toilet in a while - could it just be the weight I haven't got rid of naturally, rather than actual fat?

A. Stay away from the binge, food takes calories to digest, don't pay attention to those weird diets, drink plenty of water like 6-8 glass full a day and the digestion will take place routinely, the weight should remain neutral, don't cause distress to yourself to improve your image.

What is your oppinion on eating disorders?
Q. I want to know what people think of eating disorders. How do they effect you? Have YOU ever had or known someone with one? Does ne one know the REAL heath effects of benging and perging? I don't want to actually do it but i do know some people with them and i was wanting to know what it does to them. And if i can't get them to stop right now, how long does it take for binging and perging to take a tole on your body?? Like if they do it for 2-5 days and it helps them (as in like getting smaller) can they stop and can their body still be fine?? Thanx 4 ur help!!

A. In eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia it's more of a phycological thing than a physical one. It like saying "Flab is in the eye of the beholder" Anorexics and bulimics would look themselves in the mirror and think they are fat no matter how thin they are.

For me, i would love to help people who have eating disorders. I think i have the most common one: binge eating disorder. I have known someone who was bulimic but i hadn't had enough info about bulimia to know it could be deadly. I know of 2 people in my school who happen to be anorexic. I currently know someone who is bulimic. I'm trying to be as supportive as i could. I researched bulimia and friends.

I think it is because of what society expects from a woman. (notice that most people with eating disorders are females) Society expects a perfectly thin woman. This is expressed everywhere. Teen movies, magazines, models, video clips,and the list is never ending.
2-5 days won't affect. Direct effects they will experience will be soar throat.

These are the effects of bulimia:

Blood
-Anemia
Heart
-Irregular heart beat
-Heart muscle weakened,
-Heart failure
-Low pulse and blood pressure
Body Fluids
-Dehydration
-Low potassium
-Low magnesium
-Low sodium
Intestines
-Constipation
-Irregular bowel movements (BM)
-Bloating
-Diarrhea
-Abdominal cramping
Hormones
-Irregular or absent period
Brain
-Depression
-Fear of gaining weight
-Anxiety
-Dizziness
-Shame
-Low self esteem
Cheeks
-Swelling
-Soreness
Mouth
-Cavities
-Tooth enamel erosion
-Gum disease
-Teeth sensitive to hot and cold foods
Throat and Esophagus
-Sore
-Irritated
-Can tear and rupture
-Blood in vomit
Muscles
-Fatigue
Stomach
-Ulcers
-Pain
-Can rupture
-Delayed emptying
Skin
-Abrasion of knuckles
-Dry skin

As for being supportive, you should try to listen to them. They are usually doing this because they are in need of control, so if you tell them something like "If you stop, everything will be alright" it will get them angry at you. You should talk to them and use the word 'I' more often than the accusing 'you'. "I think it isn't a good idea that your binging and purging. I'm concerned about you. I think it's better to see a doctor" rather than "you are killing yourself. this is wrong. Go to the doctor! You're mentally ill"

For more info about bulimia's causes and effects, and treatment as well as eating disorders go to : http://www.womenshealthzone.net/eating-disorders/

I visit this blog of a bulimic who is almost 30 and had started bulimia since she was in 8th grade. here's the site :
http://bulimiablog.blogspot.com

I hope this helps. :)

What are the beginning signs of an eating disorder?
Q. How can you tell if someone is developing an eating disorder?

A. Anorexia signs and symptoms may include:

Refusal to eat and denial of hunger
An intense fear of gaining weight
A negative or distorted self-image
Excessive exercise
Flat mood or lack of emotion
Irritability
Fear of eating in public
Preoccupation with food
Social withdrawal
Thin appearance
Trouble sleeping
Soft, downy hair present on the body (lanugo)
Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Dry skin
Frequently being cold
Irregular heart rhythms
Low blood pressure
Dehydration


Bulimia signs and symptoms may include:

Eating until the point of discomfort or pain, often with high-fat or sweet foods
Self-induced vomiting
Laxative use
Excessive exercise
An unhealthy focus on body shape and weight
A distorted, excessively negative body image
Low self-esteem
Going to the bathroom after eating or during meals
A feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
Abnormal bowel functioning
Damaged teeth and gums
Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks
Sores in the throat and mouth
Dehydration
Irregular heartbeat
Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands
Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)
Constant dieting or fasting
Possibly, drug or alcohol abuse


Symptoms of binge-eating disorder may include:

Eating to the point of discomfort or pain
Eating much more food during a binge episode than during a normal meal or snack
Eating faster during binge episodes
Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control
Frequently eating alone
Feeling depressed, disgusted or upset over the amount eaten

Red flags that may indicate an eating disorder include:

Skipping meals
Making excuses for not eating
Eating only a few certain "safe" foods, usually those low in fat and calories
Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing
Cooking elaborate meals for others, but refusing to eat them themselves
Collecting recipes
Withdrawing from normal social activities
Persistent worry or complaining about being fat
A distorted body image, such as complaining about being fat despite being underweight
Not wanting to eat in public
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
Wearing baggy or layered clothingRepeatedly eating large amounts of sweet or high-fat foods
Use of syrup of ipecac, laxatives, the over-the-counter weight-loss drug orlistat (Alli), or over-the-counter drugs that can cause fluid loss, such as menstrual symptom relief medications
Use of dietary supplements or herbal products for weight loss
Food hoarding
Leaving during meals to use the toilet
Eating in secret




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