Eating Disorders
You may know someone who has signs of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. Many others have a negative self-image and an overwhelming desire to be thinner, and may be at risk for developing an eating disorder. Her you will find helpful information.
What is it?
There are several types of eating disorders, each with its unique challenges and concerns. These are some of the more common types.
Anorexia nervosa: an eating disorder marked by refusal to maintain an acceptable weight, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image and self-starvation. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. People who have anorexia deny their hunger and refuse to eat – even after extreme weight loss.
Bulimia nervosa: a serious, potentially life-threatening disorder marked by repeated binging (significant overeating) followed by purging (self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, or obsessive exercise) to prevent weight gain. People with bulimia feel out of control with their eating behavior.
Binge-eating disorder: a disorder is marked by frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food. Binge-eating disorder probably affects 2 to 5 percent of all adults (National Institute of Mental Health, 2009). It is slightly more common in women, with three women affected for every two men. Among mildly obese people in self-help or weight-loss programs, 10 percent to 15 percent have binge-eating disorder. Obese people with binge-eating disorder often became overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder.
What does it look like?
Some of the common signs and symptoms of an eating disorder:
- Skipping meals and saying one is not hungry
- Filling up only on low-calorie foods or using gum and water to feel full
- Becoming isolated from friends; making excuses for not eating socially
- Eating erratically by overeating, undereating or eating fast
- Talking constantly about food, calories and being fat while restricting diet
- Exercising excessively to make up for eating
- Excess dieting, food rituals, fasting; avoiding food groups; skipping meals
- Tension at mealtimes; sometimes refusing to eat with family or friends
- Layering clothes to hide weight loss
- Distorted body image; low sense of self-worth; intense fear of being fat
- Perfectionism; wanting to be the thinnest, smartest, neatest
- Repeated episodes of bingeing (eating abnormally large amounts of food)
- Regular laxative use
- Throwing up (bathroom breaks after meals)
Consider contacting your school counselor, medical provider, or insurance company if you are concerned about someone who has any of these signs. Then schedule an initial assessment with an organization such as the Melrose Institute. Find help now.
How is it treated?
There are many options for support and care in dealing with an eating disorder. Common type of treatment include:
- Individual, family and group therapy
- Support groups
- Nutritional counseling
- Outpatient services
- Inpatient services
- Medical care/hospitalization
- Medication management
Goals of treatment often include:
- Recognize that people of all weights, body shapes and sizes who have an eating disorder can experience medical complications
- Understand medical complications and risks associated with eating disorders
- Attain and maintain a healthy and natural body weight
- Develop healthy eating habits through meal planning
- Practice normal eating
- Develop, practice positive coping strategies, skills that promote recovery
- Improve self-image and self-confidence
- Accept and trust their bodies
Tips for approaching someone you are concerned may have an eating disorder:
- Ask to speak to the person in a private setting
- Explain your specific concerns to the person in a non-judgmental way: “I see a large amount of food disappearing in the house and I’m concerned that you may be struggling with an eating problem”; “Your mood seems to be changing these days and I’m concerned about you”
- Offer to accompany the person to an evaluation with a qualified mental health person
- Continue to check in with the person and offer support
Where can help be found?
Parents may ask their pediatrician or family physician to refer them to a qualified mental health professional or eating disorder clinic. Your school nurse is also a good resource.
For more information
The Emily Program
http://www.emilyprogram.com/
The Joy Project
http://www.joyproject.org/whatised/mntx.html
National Eating Disorders Association
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/eating_disorders.html