Anorexia Case

On February of 2007, an 18-year-old Uruguayan model named Eliana Ramos was found dead at her grandparents' home. The cause of her death was later reported to be heart attack, which was led by malnutrition. It is estimated that 8 million people are suffering from eating disorders in the United States of America alone. The most common disorders are anorexia and bulimia, both coming to a similar number. The number of cases regarding these two disorders is on its constant rise, threatening the lives of female population all around the world. Then, what are the similarities and the differences between these two most prevalent eating disorders in a modern day society?

Anorexia and bulimia are both eating disorders that are mostly caused by psychological issues. The victims of these disorders—the majority being young females—are usually obsessed with their weight, appearance, and food. Therefore, sufferers go on long periods of excessive diet, which often leads them to deadly consequences. As they carry on with their constant fasting, self-inflicted vomiting, and excessive exercise, the affliction savages their sizes of pores, texture of skin, and eventually the health of internal organs. However, the damage reaches far beyond the physical aspect of the body. Starting from depression, people struggling with anorexia or bulimia experience extreme mood-swings, hallucination, and even suicidal ideation and attempts. These two most common eating disorders are both life-threatening and may lead one's life to its end.

However, between these two seemingly identical eating disorders, there are three major factors that distinguish one from the other: the age, method of practice, and symptoms. Anorexia is practiced mostly by teenage girls, while women in their 20s are more subject to bulimia. Anorexia involves abstaining from food and constant exercising, which results in a higher chance of weight loss . Because of this, teenage