Eating Disorders

In our body conscious culture, it is not a surprise that eating disorders continue to be a growing concern for people of all ages. We are constantly striving for perfection and trying to find some sense of control in an overwhelming world. Some cope with the added stress and endless pressures by controlling their food intake or food patterns. Along with so many other addictions, we justify and rationalize the behavior because we find a sense of comfort, safety, and internal strength in the ritualistic behavior and thinking we create around food. The following information will provide some basic definitions and symptoms of the varied types of eating disorders as well as some preventative tips.

Types According to the American Psychiatric Association there are 3 main types of eating disorders:

1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

They are described as the following by both the American Psychiatric Association and helpguide.org:

Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
• Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced ie: references self as 'fat' even though underweight
• Loss of menstrual periods for at least three consecutive cycles

Bulimia Nervosa Symptoms:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating. Both of the following are present to classify as a binge eating episode:
  • Eating, in a discrete period of time (ie. Within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
  • A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (ie. A feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
• Compensation for binges with one or more of the following unhealthy measures:
  • Self-induced vomiting (purging)
  • Misuse of laxatives, water pills, or diet pills (another type of purging)
  • Excessive exercise
  • Fasting
• The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months
• Secretiveness and shamefulness about the bingeing and purging
• Preoccupation with food and weight

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified Symptoms: The criteria may not be met or may not fit with the other eating disorders but the conditions are still serious and in need of attention. Examples may include the following:

• For females, all of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except that the individual has regular menses.
• Chewing food and spitting it out (without swallowing)
• Bingeing and purging irregularly, such as at times of increased stress

Warning Signs

According to helpguide.org, there are often warning signs that can be seen emotionally, psychologically, behaviorally, socially, and physically.

Emotional and psychological warning signs of eating disorders

• preoccupation with body appearance or weight
• moodiness, irritability
• reduced concentration, memory, and thinking ability
• anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• anxiety around meal times
• guilt or self-dislike

Behavioral warning signs of eating disorders

• dieting or making frequent excuses not to eat
• overeating
• obsessive rituals such as drinking only out of a certain cup, or eating certain foods on certain days
• wearing baggy clothes, or a change in clothing style
• hoarding food
• trips to the bathroom after meals

Social warning signs of eating disorders

• social withdrawal or isolation
• avoidance of social situations involving food
• decreased interest in hobbies

Physical warning signs of eating disorders

• weight loss or rapid fluctuation in weight
• changes in hair, skin, and nails (dry and brittle); dehydration
• edema (retention of body fluid, giving a "puffy" appearance)
• loss or irregularity of menstrual periods (females)
• reduced metabolic rate (can lead to slow heart rate, low blood pressure, reduced
• body temperature, and bluish-colored extremities); sensitivity to the cold
• hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), which can cause confusion, illogical thinking, coma, shakiness, and irritability
• faintness, dizziness, or fatigue
• reduced concentration, memory, and thinking ability
• bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, or cramps
• sore throat, indigestion, and heartburn
• easy bruising

Prevention

Ways for Parents to Help in the Prevention of Eating Disorders Helpguide.org uses the following information adapted from The Renfrew Center Foundation to name some ways that parents can help their children to develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies and thereby avert eating disorders:

• Avoid negative statements about your own body and your own eating. If you are constantly dieting or preoccupied with weight or appearance, you will pass on these obsessions to your children.
• Model balanced behavior for your kids -- eat all foods in moderation, and move your body for fun and fitness.
• Remember that people come in all shapes and sizes -- we are so much more than our looks.
• Do not pressure your child to be a superstar, super achiever, or perfect.
• Be involved and actively aware of the messages your kids are getting from school, peers, coaches, TV shows, and fashion magazines regarding weight and size. Discuss these messages and counteract them with different values about weight and size.
• Help your child to develop interests and skills that will lead to personal expression and fulfillment without undue emphasis on appearance.
• Make family meals relaxed and friendly. Refrain from commenting on children's eating; resolving family conflicts at the table; or using food as a punishment or reward.
• Listen to your children. Create time for real communication.
• Know your child. If you notice a pattern of anxiety or depression, get help immediately.
• Do not put your child on a diet or exercise program.

Treatment Programs

Methodist Hospital Eating Disorders Institute

The Emily Program