What is An Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious medical and emotional illnesses that require prompt diagnosis and treatment for full recovery and to avoid long-term health issues and side effects. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), current research confirms that eating disorders are biologically-based and influenced by emotional and cultural factors. Eating disorders are potentially life-threatening illnesses, but help is available and full recovery is possible. Eating Disorders are now prevalent across all age groups, in children, adolescents, teens, and adults. Studies indicate that as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting anorexia or bulimia, with millions more struggling with binge eating disorder. Eating disorders are about feelings. They are not really about food or body image.
Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders fall into one of the following categories, although sufferers may combine types of disordered eating or transition from one type of primary eating disorder to another.
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by self-starvation and extreme weight loss. The sufferer is often unable to maintain a minimum healthy body weight and often suffers from body image dissatisfaction or distorted body perception.
Bulemia Nervosa Eating Disorder involves repeated eating binges or cycles followed by purging, either through self-induced vomiting or other methods, including laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting. Some sufferers combine bulemia and anorexic tendencies.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent binge eating without self-starvation or purging.
Symptoms For Identifying Eating Disorders
extreme, sudden weight loss
change in eating patterns
preoccupation with body image and weight
visits to the bathroom immediately after meals
lies about food consumption or food purchases
complaints about body size, shape, and image
complaints of dizziness or heartburn from weight loss or vomiting
replacing other activities with eating
depression
Where to Go for Diagnosis
Any therapist or medical doctor can make an initial evaluation. These professional eating disorder organizations also offer screening tips and treatment referrals on their web sites.
http://www.nationaleatingdisor ders.org
http://www.anad.org
http://www.somethingfishy.org/