D i s o r d e r e d E a t i n g F a c t s
Definition
Eating disorders are extreme expressions of a range of weight and food issues. Some symptoms are food obsession, eating large amounts of food, intentional vomiting after meals and self-starvation in order to lose weight or maintain normal weight. Food is not the primary problem, but a symptom of a serious emotional problem that results in loss of self-control, obsession, anxiety, guilt and depression.
Types
- Anorexia Nervosa:
Self-starvation and obsession with thinness. Body weight is below normal.
- Bulimia Nervosa:
Repeated episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food) followed by purging (using vomiting, laxatives and/or diuretics to avoid weight gain). Body weight is usually normal to overweight.
- Binge and Compulsive Eating Disorder:
Impulsive over-eating or continuous eating which is not followed by purging. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.
- Other Eating Disorders:
Abnormal eating patterns that do not quite fit the criteria of anorexia nervosa but may still be life-threatening.
Warning Signs
- Always dieting
- Denial of hunger
- Excessive exercise
- Excessive weight gain/loss
- Extreme concern with weight
- Regular use of laxatives
- Fear of weight gain
- Food obsession
- Refusal to eat
- Secret eating
- View self as fat when very thin
What to Do
- Seek professional help.
- A multidisciplinary medical team is most effective (e.g., medical doctor, registered dietitian, psychiatrist or psychologist).
- Expect resistance: people with eating disorders usually do not believe they need help.
- Realize that recovery may take several months to several years.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful recovery.
