Introduction
Eating is still considered as a responsibility of every individual, especially for the younger ones. Living in the healthiest way possible is a one great achievement that every young adult must obtain and maintain. This is the best way to prepare for the future, the time when the body is more vulnerable to diseases and complications. Prevent eating disorders, as these will lead to conditions, particularly in the weakening of the overall physical condition of an individual.
However, in the recent study, it is determined that the adolescence years are the time when eating disorders trigger most of the time. Anorexia Nervosa (AN) usually emerges in the middle adolescent period, while Bulimia Nervosa (BN) mostly occurs much later (Golden, Schneider, & Wood, 2016). This because adolescence is the time when children try to become independent and self-conscious about their physical appearance. Thus, there is an urgent need to watch over the health of the children in this age group. Being unhealthy is not only limited to obesity, but it can also be associated with extreme weight loss. As of now, the case of AN and BN increased over the years, A 119 percent increase happened during the span of 7 years, from 1999 to 2006 (Golden, Schneider, & Wood, 2016). Considering this trend, the case of AN and BN increased significantly in the recent year. Today, AN and BN cases are reported mostly in adolescent females, with 0.3 percent and 0.9 percent lifetime prevalence (Golden, Schneider, & Wood, 2016). However, these disorders are not limited to female adolescents; however, the prevalence of female to male is about 9:1 (Golden, Schneider, & Wood, 2016).
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa: Most Common Eating Disorders
AN and BN are considered disorders because of the excessive need to prevent weight gain. Because of the notion that relates some nutrients in weight gain, particularly fats, some adolescents prevent consuming these nutrients. Therefore, they avoid eating completely, which results in a thinner and underweight body (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2004). Individuals who have these conditions have the tendency to assume that preventing weight gain is a healthy lifestyle. However, if the body does not receive the right amount of nutrient, it will not function properly. Therefore, an individual becomes more vulnerable to several illnesses. Moreover, the tendency of the adolescents to become very conscious of their bodies is one critical factor as to why AN and BN are highly prevalent during the adolescent years.
Eat Properly, Exercise Regularly
Having a thin body does not equate to a healthy body. Eat regularly, completely, and in the right amount. It is a nature which must not be removed from the body system. Eating properly will regulate body functions, and enable adolescents to cope up with their daily activities. Adolescents need more nutrients because they attend school, which activities require a good physical and mental condition. A healthy and fit body cannot be achieved by extreme diet alone. Instead, what adolescents must do is to exercise while eating regularly. By regular and sufficient exercise, their bodies will achieve the fitness while preventing extreme fatigue. This is because AN and BN are also associated with extreme exercise and body fatigue, while the body is not receiving the required nutrients (Golden, Schneider, & Wood, 2016). This is how the combination of eating and exercising differs from an unhealthy way of losing weight. It is recommended for adolescents to move a lot, and eat normally. They do not need to subject themselves to extreme means, avoiding exercise and eating, just to achieve the body they wanted to have. Regular eating and exercising are very important to the body, and there is no other method that can replace them. So, prevent these eating disorders, and start a healthier lifestyle.
References
Golden, N., Schneider, M., and Wood, C. (2016). Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents. Pediatrics, 138(3).
National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. (2004). Eating Disorders: Core Interventions in the Treatment and Management of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders. Leicester: British Psychological Society.
