Eating Disorders

The biggest misconception about eating disorders is that they’re all about food. They may start with a preoccupation with weight or food, but there’s far more at work below the surface. Like so many addictions, it’s hard for those on the sidelines to understand why the person who is doing the self-damaging behavior can’t just stop when they see the harm they are causing. But eating disorders are complex conditions related to any combination of emotional, social or family issues. Often, they’re an attempt to compensate for or manage feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming.

To truly understand eating disorders, you need to be aware of the three different types:

Anorexia Nervosa

Description: Anorexia is both a dangerous and life-threatening eating disorder involving self-starvation. It involves extreme weight loss of 15 percent or more below the person’s “ideal” weight. However, despite physical emaciation, those suffering from Anorexia have a distorted body image and will convince themselves that they are overweight.

Signs to watch for:

• Refusal to maintain minimally normal body weight
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced
• Denies the seriousness of low body weight
• Loss of menstrual periods

Dangers:

• Heart and kidney failure
• Muscle loss
• Death

Bulimia Nervosa

Description: People who have bulimia nervosa routinely “binge,” consuming large amounts of food in a very short period of time and then immediately self-inducing vomiting (or “purging”) to rid their bodies of the just-eaten food. They may also use large quantities of laxatives or even resort to enemas to empty their stomachs after bingeing. Since the large quantities of food they eat is rarely fully digested, people struggling with bulimia are usually of an average weight.

Signs to watch for:

• Recurring episodes of binge eating accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating
• The person excessively acts to prevent weight gain
• Preoccupation with body shape and weight

Dangers:
There are many life-threatening complications brought about by Bulimia. Below are just a few of the more serious.

• Esophagus or gastric inflammation or rupture and dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances that can result in heart failure and death
• Irreversible heart, kidney and dental damage

Binge Eating

Description: This involves recurring and out-of-control episodes of consuming large amounts of food in short time periods, generally long after hunger has subsided and well beyond being comfortably full. Binge eating may also involve feelings of loss of control or eating in secret.

Signs to watch for:

• Eating large amounts of food in short time periods
• Eating well beyond fullness
• Eating in secret
• Hiding food
• Excessive weight gain

Dangers:

• Obesity
• Gallbladder disease
• Diabetes
• Other weight-related health issues

Studies are increasingly linking eating disorders with substance abuse conditions. Specifically, Anorexia and Bulimia demonstrate a greater likelihood than the general population to also be affected by substance abuse or addiction. Many people struggling with Bulimia also struggle with conditions such as depression, addiction and dangerous impulsive or self-destructive behaviors.

Factors than can contribute to eating disorders:

• Low self image/poor self-esteem
• History of physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• Depression or other emotional conditions
• Feelings of loss of control
• Family or relationship problems
• Culturally reinforced norms valuing physical appearance or certain body sizes
• History of being teased or ridiculed because of appearance

Eating Disorder Treatment

Early identification and treatment of eating disorders can reduce the likelihood of a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the disease. Treating an eating disorder isn’t just about getting someone to eat normally. The most effective treatments involve psychotherapy or counseling, individualized medical and nutritional attention, and assessment and treatment for any co-occurring substance addiction or abuse.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5635. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about eating disorders and treatment.

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