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Eating disorders aren't just about food. They are mental disorders that can become lifelong conditions. They can be deadly. You must get help if you suspect you or your child has an eating disorder. The earlier an eating disorder is treated, the better the chances for overcoming it.

Eating disorders are complex, arising from behavioral, emotional, psychological and social issues. People with eating disorders use their control of food to deal with intense feelings. Ultimately, these behaviors damage physical and emotional health.

Three percent of teen and adult women and 1 percent of men have anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating (compulsive overeating) disorder. Children in elementary school are developing signs of eating disorders. Forty percent of fourth graders say they diet either "very often" or "sometimes," according to research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Fifteen percent of young women have disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, reports the Journal of Counseling Psychology. Experts say eating disorders, with onset typically between the ages of 13 and 14, and then again at 17 and 18, are now being seen in children as young as 10.

Eating disorders can cause significant medical problems, including:

• Slow heart rate and disturbances in the heart's rhythm.
• Dangerously low blood pressure.
• Dangerously low body temperature.
• Osteoporosis (brittle, weak bones).
• Slowed growth or development.
• Problems with periods.
• Infertility.
• Electrolyte abnormalities that can lead to heart rhythm disturbances.
• Dehydration.

Prognosis

With counseling, about 50 percent of people who develop eating disorders overcome them. This is especially true for younger sufferers who are still developing attitudes about themselves and food. For others, eating disorders can be a lifelong battle. Psychotherapy, medications such as antidepressants and nutritional counseling can help most people.

 

Eating Disorder Warning Signs

 

Do you think someone you know has an eating disorder? Perhaps a family member or friend? Don't be uninformed. Eating disorders can be one of the most troubling illnesses. Be familiar with the warning signs. Remember early professional intervention from a health care provider experienced in treating eating disorders holds the best hope for successful   treatment.

Anorexia warning signs

• Loss of a significant amount of weight
• Continuing to diet when thin
• Feeling fat even after losing weight
• Intense fear of weight gain
• Loss of monthly menstrual periods

Preoccupation with food, calories, fat content and nutrition

• Preferring to diet in isolation
• Cooking for others but not eating the food
• Hair loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Fainting spells
• Exercising compulsively
• Lying about food
• Depression and anxiety
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Periods of hyperactivity
• Constipation
• Heart tremors
• Dry, brittle skin
• Shortness of breath

Bulimia warning signs

• Eating uncontrollably
• Purging by strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise or vomiting
• Abusing laxatives or diuretics
• Using the bathroom frequently after meals
• Preoccupation with body weight
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Feeling out of control
• Swollen glands in neck and face
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Irregular periods
• Dental problems
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Sore throat
• Vomiting blood
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Bloodshot eyes

Binge eating disorder warning signs

• Episodes of binge eating
• Eating when not physically hungry
• Frequent dieting
• Feeling unable to stop eating voluntarily
• Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
• Weight fluctuations
• Depressed mood
• Feeling ashamed
• Antisocial behavior
• Obesity

Eating Disorders:

What Families and Friends Can Do

Experts suggest the following tactics:

• Express your concern, and prepare yourself for all possible reactions: denial, anger, hostility, defensiveness or, perhaps, relief.
• Recognize that the person with an eating disorder will likely feel ashamed or embarrassed that you have uncovered the secret.
• Be firm but caring. Be prepared to state, specifically, observations that have led you to conclude the person has an eating disorder. Denial is difficult in the face of hard evidence.
• Don't nag about eating or not eating. Don't spy. People with eating disorders are already extremely self-conscious about their eating habits.
• Don't agree to help the person control binges by hiding food to keep them from binge eating. The person will likely end up resenting it and finding other ways to binge.
• Be willing to listen in times of distress. One of the best ways to help someone gain control over the eating disorder is to reach out to that person as a friend instead of focusing on eating behavior.
• Stress the fact that you care deeply and would like to help in whatever way you can, including finding the right treatment center and arranging an appointment. Medication, psychotherapy and nutrition education all can help.
• Take care of yourself. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and completely absorbed in this crisis. The American Anorexia Bulimia Association strongly encourages friends and family members seek support and can help you find resources in your area.

Remember: Your involvement can help to save the life of someone with an eating disorder. Read as much as possible about eating disorders so that you can help the person with the illness better understand the problem. Encouragement, caring and persistence are needed to convince someone with an eating disorder to get help. When acceptance happens, your loved one will need lots of understanding and encouragement to continue treatment.

 For  more  information: Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.