Eating Disorders

What is an eating disorder?

Anorexia

  • Symptoms:
    • Refusal to maintain normal body weight for height and age
    • Fear of weight gain and losing control
    • A distorted body image
    • Loss of menstrual cycle
    • Restrictive eating, with or without bingeing/purging
    • Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Bulimia

  • Symptoms:
    • Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging
    • Feeling out of control
    • Frequent dieting
    • Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Binge Eating Disorder

  • Symptoms:
    • Episodes of binge eating without purging
    • Feeling out of control
    • Feelings of guilt, disgust, or depression following a binge

What are the warning signs that someone may have an eating disorder?

  • Increased or decreased weight gain
  • Change in eating habits
  • Dieting
  • Excessive exercise
  • Use of laxatives
  • Preoccupation about body image
  • Isolation, depression, irritability