Eating disorders can arise from a variety of potential problems and have no simple or easy cure. People with eating disorders may compensate their feelings or emotions that may be overwhelming by dieting, binging, or purging. Eating disorders give some people a sense of power and control in their life.
While at first it may seem as a way to cope with a persons emotions, this disorder damages a persons emotional and physical health. There is no easy or simple cure for this disorder, and all eating disorders require professional help. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating/ Binge Eating are all forms of eating disorders.
Anorexia Nervosa: characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Symptoms include:
- Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
- Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"
- Feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
- Loss of menstrual periods
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
Bulimia Nervosa: characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging.
Symptoms include:
- Repeated episodes of binging and purging
- Feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfort
- Purging after a binge, typically by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics,excessive exercise, or fasting
- Frequent dieting
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
Compulsive Overeating/ Binge Eating Disorder: characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. Symptoms include:
- Sporadic fasts or repetitive diets
- Feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge
- Struggles with anxiety, depression, and loneliness
- Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, or you want more information on eating disorders, check out these other resources.
Local Resources:
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders- 286-3718 or (847) 831-3438 and on the web at http://www.anad.org- Provides referrals, information, education, and research updates to those interested
York County Eating Disorder Program- 282-1516
Mercy Hospital Eating Disorders Program- http://www.mercyhospital.com/content/EatingDisorders.htm
National Resources:
American Anorexia/Bulimia Association, Inc.- (212) 575-6200
603 West 46th St., #1108, New York, NY 10036
