What is an “Eating Disorder?”

Eating disorders are serious, progressive, dangerous illness. They often result in drastic physical effects causing malnutrition, kidney failure, gastrointestinal damage, heart attack, or even death. The most frequently seen disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and eating disorder not otherwise specified..

Anorexia Nervosa is a compulsive, obsessive disease that involves self-starvation and a profound loss of body weight. It can lead to malnutrition, organ damage and death if not treated and arrested.

Bulimia is characterized by the binge-purge syndrome, where laxatives and / or self-induced vomiting are used to expel the consumed food. The binges usually involve the rapid ingestion of large amounts of food – often junk food. An individual who is Bulimic can suffer serious digestive tract problems, damage to the esophagus, and potassium depletion that can lead to heart failure.

Anorexia and Bulimia sometimes occur together as Bulimarexia, where self-induced starvation and the binge-purge syndrome are both present.

Although some cases of eating disorders are more severe than others, it is estimated that between two and ten percent of the young females in this country have some type of eating related illness. Moreover, the incidence of eating disorders among males seems to be increasing. If you have a family member or friend with an eating disorder, or if you are afflicted yourself, please seek professional help for this illness.

The following are some common behavioral, psychological, and physical symptoms that may be indicative of an eating disorder.

Anorexia

Behaviors: Insufficient calorie intake
Eating alone
Overeating followed by periods of self-starvation
Compulsive exercise
Lying / dishonesty
Social isolation / distancing self from family and friends
Fights with family over eating issues

Psychological Low self-esteem
Symptoms: Intense fear of food and of gaining weight
Distorted body image (sees self as being “fat”)
Feelings of lack of control in life
Passive personality / compliance
Anxiety
Apathy
Mood swings
Inability to concentrate
Denial of the problem

Physical Emaciated appearance
Symptoms: Amenorrhea (menstrual cycle stops)
Fatigue / lethargy
Increased facial and body hair / decreased scalp hair
Sensitivity to cold
Electrolyte imbalance
Joint pain
Heart problems
Sleep disturbances
Malnutrition / starvation
Dehydration

Bulimia

Behaviors: Binge eating
Eating alone
Self-induced vomiting / laxative and diuretic use
Stealing food / money
Lying / dishonesty
Social isolation / distancing self from family and friends
Alcohol and drug abuse

Psychological Low self-esteem
Symptoms: Feeling that self-worth is dependent on low weight
Poor impulse control
Fear that eating behavior (bingeing) is out of control
Embarrassment
Feelings of inadequacy
Anxiety
Depression
Mood swings

Physical Average body weight (+/- 10 lbs.)
Symptoms: Anemia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Tooth / gum disease
Chronic sore throat
Difficulties in breathing and swallowing
Low potassium levels
Electrolyte imbalance
Possible rupture of heart or esophagus / peritonitis
Dehydration
Irregular heart rhythms

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