Page 29 - Biology Form Two

Biology for Secondary Schools

blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, involve self-induced vomiting, fasting,
diabetes, certain types of cancer, excessive exercising or taking drugs
arthritis, and respiratory problems. that stimulate emptying of the bowels
or excessive urination. Bulimics usually
Prevention of obesity have a normal body mass and keep
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Obesity can be prevented by eating their eating behaviour secret. Hence, it
properly and engaging in regular may be difficult to tell that they have a
exercise. The intake of calories should problem.
balance one’s physical activity. It is
also important to avoid eating too Causes of Anorexia nervosa and
much fatty foods such as butter, fatty Bulimia nervosa
meat, chips, margarine, sausages and Both Bulimia and Anorexia have
sugary foods such as sweets, cakes and underlying psychological causes, such
chocolates. Eating too much of these as depression, low self-esteem on body
foods contributes to obesity. image, bottled-up emotions and the
need to fit contemporary standards of
Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia
nervosa beauty. Bulimia and Anorexia mostly
Anorexia nervosa is also called affect women.
slimmer’s disease or a self-starvation Effects of Anorexia nervosa and
syndrome. It is a nutritional disorder Bulimia nervosa
that occurs when a person intentionally The effects of Anorexia and Bulimia are
refuses to eat enough food, leading to a demonstrated by heart problems due to

severe loss of body mass. weak cardiac muscles or an imbalance
The symptoms of Anorexia are: of mineral salts. They contribute to
an impaired mental function because
(i) Muscle wasting (including the brain lacks adequate amounts
weakening of heart muscle); of glucose. Victims also exhibit
(ii) Excessive loss of body mass; dehydration. During vomiting, the

(iii) Extreme fear of being fat; and acids present in the stomach come
(iv) Distorted body image or feeling into contact with the teeth and gums.
fat even when one is very thin. This eventually causes serious damage
to the gums and erosion of the teeth.
Bulimia nervosa is a nutritional disorder Other effects include anaemia, stomach
which involves excessive eating ulcers, abdominal cramping and

followed by an attempt to remove the inflammation of the gut, irregular or
food from the body. This attempt could absent menstrual periods and dry skin.

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