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About children Vegan is not an eating disorder

0 Comments | Daily Record; Wooster, Ohio, Jul 24, 2010 | by Jeanine Kendle

Three times this summer I have had people mention concern for a teen who has become a vegan. The concern is the vegan lifestyle is an eating disorder. Absolutely not so.

Living the vegan lifestyle — eating only vegetables — is a choice that has no negative effects if done correctly. By that I mean making sure the individual eats enough vegetables, especially vegetable protein, for a healthy body. Protein is essential for good health, but it does not have to come from meat or fish.

There are a number of books and websites that can help vegans prepare meals that are protein-rich while being vegan appropriate. In addition, your family physician can help you with resources to help you in a healthy vegan life.

Unfortunately, eating disorders can cause not only harm to the body but, in extreme cases, can cause death. Eating disorders fall into three categories. The two main types are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third category is “eating disorders not otherwise specified,” also referred to as EDNOS.

Anorexia nervosa is exhibited by the appearance of emaciation, a constant pursuit of thinness, a refusal/unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of the individual’s body.

The above are all in the extreme. Slimness is not a problem, but being slim to the point of emaciation is a problem. Becoming hysterical if someone says you need to gain weight, refusing to eat solid food and insisting you are fat when you are emaciated is a problem.

Paying attention to weight is appropriate — weighing yourself almost hourly to make sure you are not gaining weight is a problem. Exercising is good for you — exercising excessively, five-10 hours a day, is a problem. Laxatives, diuretics and enemas all have an appropriate medical use — using them to lose weight is a problem.

Bulimia nervosa is exhibited by eating large amounts of food followed by a compensating behavior — inducing vomiting, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, fasting or excessive exercising.

The bulimic may have weight within what is considered normal for their age. Bulimics perceive their weight accurately, but fear gaining weight and are unhappy with their body size and shape.

The bulimic is secretive about their binging and purging. The bulimic often feels shame or disgust for their behaviors, but will repeat the binge/purge cycle several times a week.

While the potential for fatalities in bulimics is not as great as with anorexics there are still serious health concerns. Gastrointestinal problems, mouth and teeth problems and electrolyte imbalances can all cause serious problems.

Anorexics and bulimics often have other psychological problems, too. Very often they suffer from depression, anxiety and/or substance abuse.

The most frequently mentioned ENDOS is binge eating. People with binge eating disorder do not purge after a binge eating episode. Like bulimics they often feel guilt, shame or emotional distress that in turns leads to more binge eating.

Binge eaters feel a loss of control when they binge eat, but do not take action to correct their over-eating. As a result they are overweight or obese. Obese people with binge-eating disorder frequently have coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders.

While eating disorders often become apparent in adolescence/ young adulthood, people of all ages can become affected.

While females are the majority of those affected by eating disorders, men and boys account for up to 15 percent of those affected by anorexia and bulimia and up to 35 percent of those with binge-eating disorder.

If you have concerns about your child having an eating disorder speak to your doctor and dentist