Eating Disorders (General overview)
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in eating behavior. This can mean eating too much, not eating enough, or eating in an extremely unhealthy manner (such as binging or stuffing yourself over and over). Many people argue that simple overeating should be considered a disorder, but at this time it is not categorized as an eating disorder.
Severe weight loss leads to other physical and emotional complications. People who are anorexic or bulimic may experience several or all the following symptoms:
· noticeable weight loss (with distorted body image), particularly in the case of anorexia
· inconspicuous binge eating (feeling shame or guilt) followed by purging, in the case of bulimia
· throat irritation due to repeated vomiting
· growth of fine body hair
· excessive constipation
· swollen glands
· severe dehydration
· depression and mood swings
· menstrual irregularities
· tooth loss/decay
· risk of heart irregularities
· hyperactivity
Living life with anorexia or bulimia can be a devastating experience, and without treatment, anorexia can be life-threatening. Also, after years of secret bingeing and purging, people with bulimia can develop serious gastro-intestinal disorders and other physical ailments than can threaten life. The denial of problems and thinking or feeling that 'nothing is wrong' are often part of the illness. Eating disorders can be overcome.
Eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in eating behavior. This can mean eating too much, not eating enough, or eating in an extremely unhealthy manner (such as binging or stuffing yourself over and over). Many people argue that simple overeating should be considered a disorder, but at this time it is not categorized as an eating disorder.
Severe weight loss leads to other physical and emotional complications. People who are anorexic or bulimic may experience several or all the following symptoms:
· noticeable weight loss (with distorted body image), particularly in the case of anorexia
· inconspicuous binge eating (feeling shame or guilt) followed by purging, in the case of bulimia
· throat irritation due to repeated vomiting
· growth of fine body hair
· excessive constipation
· swollen glands
· severe dehydration
· depression and mood swings
· menstrual irregularities
· tooth loss/decay
· risk of heart irregularities
· hyperactivity
Living life with anorexia or bulimia can be a devastating experience, and without treatment, anorexia can be life-threatening. Also, after years of secret bingeing and purging, people with bulimia can develop serious gastro-intestinal disorders and other physical ailments than can threaten life. The denial of problems and thinking or feeling that 'nothing is wrong' are often part of the illness. Eating disorders can be overcome.
- See more at: http://www.mindyourmind.ca/illnesses/eating-disorders#sthash.dUITzsK0.dpuf
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a drastic weight loss from dieting, which can be accompanied by over-exercising and the abuse of laxatives. The individual's body image is distorted and an intense fear of becoming obese takes over. This can lead to emaciation, failing physical and psychological health and sometimes death. Most people with anorexia experience distorted thinking and do not recognize how underweight they are, which makes it difficult to convince them to seek treatment.
Bulimia nervosa is the most common clinical eating disorder. It is characterized by secretive episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise and fasting. It is common for individuals to binge several times a week, during which they may consume as many as 5,000-10,000 calories in a manner of minutes or hours. Unlike anorexia, bulimia can be difficult to diagnose because it is secretive and people may maintain a fairly steady weight level due to the counterbalancing cycle of bingeing and purging.
Approximately 90% of those with eating disorders are women.
Over 38,000 Canadian women suffer from anorexia nervosa.
More than 114,000 women suffer from bulimia in Canada.
Eating disorders usually develop in people between ages 14-25.
Eating disorders often, although not always, occur in combination with a history of childhood sexual abuse.
Where can I get help!?
ou may want to contact your family physician or the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, which has a national register of private therapists, medical programs and information. Their information line is (416) 340-4156.
nfo on this page has been provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
Copyright (c) 2004 by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. This Fact Sheet may not be reproduced without written authorization from CMHA Ontario.
Travis Franklin
TF Support Networking president
