As many as 10% of high school and college students have some form of serious eating disorder. Many more experience some degree of distress related to eating and weight. The most common eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa (self starvation), Bulimia Nervosa (binging and purging), and Binge Eating Disorder.

 

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa is self-imposed starvation due to an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. People with this condition have a very distorted body image — thinking that they are fat when, in fact, they become very underweight (15% or more below healthy body weight). Signs of this disorder may include:

• Rigid, restricted eating patterns
• Avoidance of social situations involving food
• Excessive, compulsive exercise and/or study habits
• A preoccupation with food and weight
• Signs of malnutrtion (weakness, feeling cold, dizziness, dry skin and hair, constipation)

 

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa, know as the “binge-purge” syndrome, is a condition in which a person has recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging. During a binge, the person uncontrollably consumes a very large number of calories in a short period of time. This results in feelings of guilt, disgust, and fear. The person, in turn, resorts to any number of methods to get rid of the excess calories including vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, and excessive exercise. Signs of this disorder may include:

• Rapid weight fluctuations
• Swollen glands that give a chipmunk appearance
• Red, puffy, bloodshot eyes
• Severe dental decay and cuts on fingers
• Compulsive exercise and frequent depression
  

 

What is Binge Eating?

Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating which results in feelings of guilt, disgust, depression, and extreme distress. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasting or repetitive dieting. People suffering from this disease may gain a large amount of weight, which may lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, and heart and gall bladder disease.

 

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are caused by a combination of cultural and psychological issues, personality traits, physiological imbalances, and learned behavior. Society places a great deal of emphasis on being thin, especially for women. This is expressed through the media, advertising, family, and peers.

People with eating disorders tend to be perfectionists, compulsive, and high achievers, and they strive to attain society’s unrealistic thin ideal. In addition, they frequently suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, and many have histories of physical abuse and/or alcoholism in their families.

Finally, the new pressure of college life may cause many students to use food in unhealthy ways — either over or under eating to cope with stress.

Why Can’t I Just Stop?

Because eating disorders are caused by many factors, treatment should combine several types of therapy possibly including: individual, group, or family psychotherapy; nutrition counseling; and drug therapy for underlying depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders. Although repeated or long-term treatments may be necessary, eating disorders are controllable.

 

What Should I Do If Someone I Know Has an Eating Disorder?

If you think that someone you care about has an eating disorder, talk to a professional about your concerns. This person may be able to help you evaluate your friend’s situation, provide you with information on a particular eating disorder, and refer your to other local resources.

Tips on approaching a friend who has an eating disorder:

• Talk to your friend in a confidential calm, and caring way. Avoid blaming them for doing something wrong or telling them they are acting crazy.

• Be specific about what you see, and use “I” statement to share your concerns.

• Focus on your concerns about your friend’s health and well-being, not on their weight or appearance.

• Explain how the problem is affecting you and your relationship.

• Give them hope that with help and persistence they can be free of the disorder and be happy again.

• Offer a written list of professional resources for help.

• Expect denial and excuses. People with eating disorders often insist that they do not need help.

• Be supportive and available when they need someone. List to them with understanding respect, and sensitivity.

• Know your limits. You cannot force someone to change his/her behavior or to seek help, but by sharing your concern, you are planting a seed which may help the person come to you later.
  

For more information on eating disorders:

• Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention — (206) 382-3587; http://www.edap.org. Offers prevention and awareness information, educational programs, videos, and workshops.

• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders — (847) 831-3438; http://www.anad.org. Offers a national listing of therapist and hospitals, informative materials, support groups, conferences, and a crisis hotline.