Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are severe disturbances in eating behavior that can have serious and potentially fatal consequences. Approximately 90% of individuals with eating disorders are young females. About 10% of the individuals diagnosed with Anorexia will die from starvation, medical complications or suicide.

While eating disorders are more common among females, teens and young adults, they can be found in persons of any age or sex. Males who develop eating disorders may do so because they want to meet certain weight requirements for some sports, such as wrestling.

The two most commonly known eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Anorexia is diagnosed when a person refuses to maintain a minimum of at least 85% of normal body weight for age and height. Bulimia is more common than Anorexia, and affects 5%-10% of the population. It is diagnosed when a person has recurring episodes of binge eating and prevents weight gain by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or other medications, fasting or excessive exercise. There are many similarities between Anorexia and Bulimia. In both Anorexia and Bulimia, the person has an intense fear of being fat and bases personal self worth on body weight and shape. Low self esteem, a distorted body image, preoccupation with food and eating, and obsessive or compulsive behaviors to prevent weight gain are common in eating disorders.

While food is the focus of eating disorders, it is important to realize that the issue is not about nutrition. The primary problems in eating disorders are related to self esteem, a sense of personal control, and the ability to cope with stress, loss and change.

Eating disorders are often triggered by stressful life events, such as a loss or a change in life situation. Some individuals who have low self esteem, perfectionistic ideals and inadequate coping skills may choose eating as one area they can control. Many young teens are not happy with their developing bodies and may unconsciously be trying to remain a child.

Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and personality disorders are often associated with symptoms of eating disorders. Some warning signs of a possible eating disorder are:

• Abnormally low weight or excessive weight loss
• Amenorrhea (menstrual cycle stops)
• Frequent or excessive fasting
• Eating large amounts of food without gaining weight
• Large fluctuations in weight
• Excessive exercise
• Frequent use of laxatives and diuretics
• Lack of self esteem and self depreciating comments
• Mood swings, depression, irritability
• unrealistic body image (feeling fat at 100 pounds)
• Obsessive thoughts about eating, calories or weight
• Frequent weighing and measuring body
• Regular trips to the bathroom after meals

Some things parents and others can do to help prevent eating disorders from developing include:

• Help children and adolescents develop a good sense of self-esteem by letting them know that they are loved and valued no matter what their body looks like.
• Encourage them to take part in family decision-making and to be responsible for their actions.
• Teach the basics of good nutrition and health.
• Avoid overly high expectations.

For more information on eating disorders, or other questions or comments, call the Trinity Adolescent Program at 574-6596.

This article was written by Pam Lehman, a counselor with the Trinity Recovery Center at Trinity Regional Hospital. Pam has a Master of Science degree in counseling.