Facts About Eating Disorders

Types of Eating Disorders

  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Bulima Nervosa
  • Binge Eating Disorder

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

  • Failure to maintain body weight at 85% of ideal weight
  • Intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat, even though underweight
  • Body Image Distortion
  • Three months or more of amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle)

Symptoms of Bulima Nervosa

  • Binge eating (eating more than normal) and a sense of lack of control
  • Compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain after binge (ex: purging, laxative use, fasting, excessive exercise)
  • Binging occurs at least twice a week for three months
  • Body image issues
  • Medical problems that can develop including dehydration, digestive disorders, severe dental problems and muscle weakness

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

  • Eating much more rapidly than normal
  • Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
  • Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
  • Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
  • Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty after overeating

What Causes Eating Disorders

  • Biological predisposition
  • Termperament/personality traits
  • Eating disorder becomes a learned coping skill used to rechannel, avoid or forget emotions that feel too threatening
  • An adaptation to, or a re-enactment of sexual abuse
  • Self-esteem/self-worth issues
  • The cultural beauty standard
  • A response to restrained eating (dieting, cutting calories)
  • Family of origin issues

Body Image

  • The picture in your mind's eye of how you see yourself
  • Your perception of how you believe others see you
  • How you experience living in your own body

How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder

  • Discuss your concerns with a professional - learn about eating disorders and available local resources. Consult with the Wellness Center staff at SU or community resources.
  • Talk to your friend - Keep the discussion informal and focus on your concerns about your friend's health, not weight or appearance. Mention that eating disorders can be treated successfully. Offer to connect your friend with professionals on campus in the Wellness Center or in the community.
  • Realize that you may be rejected - People with eating disorders often deny their problem because they are afraid to admit they are out of control. Don't take the rejection personally, and try to end the conversation in a way that will allow you to come back to the subject at another time.
  • Know your limits - If you sense that you, or your friend, are getting angry or impatient, back off. Do not take on the role of counselor or food monitor - it is inappropriate and not effective. Again, offer to help connect your friend with professionals on campus or in the community.

Resources

  • On campus - SU Wellness Center - Counseling and Health Services
  • Off campus - The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt