Bizarre Book Cafe

A while ago - midway through munching on a mountain of chips - a friend asked me which mental illness had the highest mortality rate. The question slightly baffled me, but the answer was simply stupefying. It's Eating Disorders! The timing of the revelation was so perfect that I suddenly got very interested and this is what I found. As of now, eating disorders like Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating or Binge Eating together form the third most common chronic illness in adolescent girls. This does not mean that men are spared. Around 12-15% of all people suffering from eating disorders are males. The worldwide statistics are a bit fuzzy since eating disorders are often not reported as illnesses. However, according to South Carolina Department of Mental Health there are 8 million people suffering from eating disorders in the US alone.

Another disturbing fact is that most eating disorders go unnoticed or untreated. Like most psychological problems, people suffering from eating disorders find it hard to accept their condition or share the problem with others. Some just suffer from it without even realizing that they have a condition that requires immediate attention. What may start as a simple health or body consciousness can silently creep up to become a obsessive disorder. Eating Disorders: The Path to Recovery by Dr Kate Middleton is one book where you can find all the information about eating disorders. From answering basic questions like what are eating disorders and their types, symptoms and causes, the book also helps the reader gauge whether full recovery is possible and how. The book draws heavily from Dr Middleton's extensive experience with patients suffering from eating disorders and related case studies. The best part is that this book deals with not just one but all common types of eating disorders. You think you would like to take a look? Go here!

Out of all the eating disorders, Binge Eating is the one afflicting the most number of people. The percentage of men having eating disorders is highest amongst binge eaters. Binge eaters show an addiction to food that becomes more severe in times of stress. Binging often results in further complications like obesity and in some cases even diabetes. If you or someone you know is struggling with binging, End Binge Eating is a great resource. This book is written by an ex food-addict and is based on her own journal of recovery from binge eating. Check it out!