Eating Disorders: Identification & Intervention
In the United States, there are about 24 million people living with eating disorders. These people come from different backgrounds, gender, and ages. There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. Each of these disorders can be treated, but they must be identified first.
Anorexia Nervosa
People living with anorexia are good at hiding it. If you notice a loved one experiencing any of the symptoms and behaviors listed below, have them evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. If not treated in time, the disease can lead to organ failure and malnutrition.
- Extreme weight loss
- Fear of gaining weight
- Dieting and exercising relentlessly
- Distorted body image
- Obsessively counting calories
- Wearing loose, bulky clothes to hide weight loss
- Avoidance of certain foods, such as carbs or fats
- Avoiding mealtimes or eating in front of others
- Exercising excessively
- Making comments about being “fat”
- Stopping menstruating
- Complaining about constipation or stomach pain
- Denying that extreme thinness is a problem
Bulimia Nervosa
It can be difficult to identify people with bulimia because they are often normal weight, but if you notice someone with the symptoms or behaviors listed below, seek help from a doctor. Bulimia can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and kidney problems if left untreated.
- Exercising excessively to compensate for the overeating.
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Distorted body image. They see themselves as “fat”
- Feel ashamed and disgusted with themselves, people with bulimia become very good at hiding the bulimic behaviors.
- Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time, or finding lots of empty food wrappers or containers
- Trips to the bathroom after meals
- Sounds or smells of vomiting
- Packages of laxatives or diuretics
- Skipping meals or avoiding eating in front of others
- Exercising excessively
- Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
- Complaining about being “fat”
- Using gum, mouthwash, or mints excessively
- Constantly dieting
- Scarred knuckles from repeatedly inducing vomiting
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating is more than simply eating too much and can cause major health concerns, as they are usually overweight or obese. This disorder is typically a result of depression. If someone you know is experiencing the symptoms listed below, seek help.
- Extreme overeating
- Feelings of loss of control about eating
- Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time, or finding lots of empty food wrappers or containers
- Hoarding food, or hiding large quantities of food in strange places
- Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
- Skipping meals or avoiding eating in front of others
- Constantly dieting, but not losing weight
Jaime Venditti, State Coordinator, New York Health Works
Resources:
http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/signs-of-eating-disorders?page=3