Eating Disorders
There’s a big difference between “normal” dieting and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
Our society has become increasingly obsessed with weight and physical appearance, and more and more people have tried some kind of diet at one time or another. It is important to distinguish between “normal” dieting or body consciousness and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
A person with anorexia is significantly underweight but still worries about being or becoming fat. In contrast, a person with bulimia is often a normal weight for their age and height, so those closest to them may not realize that anything is wrong. Eating disorders can cause serious, and potentially fatal, medical problems that affect the heart, brain, and other body organs. It is important to know that men can have these disorders too, although they are much more common in women.
Fortunately, there are a variety of effective and available treatments for anorexia and bulimia such as counseling and/or medication. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, contact your school’s health or counseling service, especially if thoughts of suicide are present.
Fact or Fiction?
Eating disorders aren’t primarily about food.
FACT: Eating disorders are actually symptomatic of underlying emotional distress.A “binge-purge” party is a harmless way to enjoy some fattening foods without the guilt.
FICTION: Even occasional, “recreational” episodes of binging and purging can lead to more serious, compulsive behavior.Syrup of ipecac is a safe means to induce vomiting.
FICTION: The repeated use of ipecac can weaken the heart muscle and cause irregular heartbeats, chest pains, and breathing problems. Ipecac should only be used to induce vomiting if someone is poisoned.Both women and men suffer from eating disorders.
FACT: While the majority of people with eating disorders are women, an estimated 5 to 15 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia are male.Understanding Eating Disorders
- The successful treatment of eating disorders includes addressing both their emotional and physical symptoms.
- Bulimia is more common than anorexia.
- As many as 10% of women and 1% of men suffer from an eating disorder.
- Anorexia can co-occur with other disorders, most commonly depression, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- It's estimated that as many as one in ten people with anorexia will die from complications of the disorder.
- Eating disorders often begin during high school or college.
- People with bulimia often binge and purge in secrecy, feeling ashamed when they binge, yet relieved once they purge.
What to Watch For
ANOREXIA:
- Weighing 15% or more below normal body weight
- Weight loss, sometimes by means of self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Seeing oneself as overweight no matter how underweight
- Anxious or ritualistic behavior at mealtimes
- Menstrual changes or the absence of menstruation in women
- Fatigue
- Depression
BULIMIA:
- Repeatedly eating larger than normal amounts of food in a short period of time and feeling unable to control this behavior (binging)
- Preventing weight gain after a binge by means of self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives or enemas (purging); fasting; or excessive exercise
- Unhealthy focus on body shape and weight
- Depression
- Constipation
- Discolored teeth and gums
Related links:
American Dietetic Association
www.eatright.org
(800) 877-1600
National Eating Disorders Association
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
(800) 931-2237
Overeaters Anonymous
www.oa.org
(505) 891-2664
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
www.anad.org
(847) 831-3438
Mental Health America
www.nmha.org
