The other day I had someone ask me if I could give them a pill that would make them anorexic for a week so they could lose the last 5 pounds they’d been struggling to lose. Though many may joke about how they wish they were anorexic for a day, having an eating disorder is no laughing matter. 

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 24 million Americans suffer from disordered eating. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating are unhealthy relationship with food and weight that interferes with many aspects of a person’s life. Out of all mental disorders, eating disorder patients have the highest death rate. One in 10 people with and eating disorder will die as a direct result of the illness.

There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

• Anorexia involves a severe restriction of calories; there may be a fear of weight gain and strict “rules” about eating.

• Bulimia can involve these same fears and restrictions, but also involves binging and purging. This involves vomiting, exercise or use of laxatives.

• People with binge eating disorder eating large amounts of food to cope with feelings. Food is often eaten without attention to hunger or fullness.

Not all eating disordered patients are severely under weight or look too thin. A person with an eating disorder may display one symptom or many. Listed below are some of the signs and symptoms of the three common eating disorders. It’s critical for anyone with symptoms of an eating disorder to seek professional help. Early treatment gives the greatest chance for a full recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia

Someone with anorexia may show any of the following:

• Dramatic weight loss within a period of months

• Wearing baggy clothes or layers to hide body shape

• A preoccupation with weight, exercise and/or calories

• Food restriction and avoidance

• Belief life will be better if he or she can lose weight

• Use of diet pills, laxatives and/or enemas

• Isolation and fear of eating with others

• Food rituals and secretive eating patterns

• Disposing of food in strange places

• Keeping a “food diary” or lists of calories and exercise

• Hair loss, sunken eyes, pale skin

• Dizziness and headaches

• Low self-esteem and need for approval from others

• Feeling cold

• Low blood pressure and heart rate

• Loss of menstrual cycle

• Constipation, stomach pain

• Perfectionist personality

• Loss of sexual desire

• Mood swings, depression, anxiety and/or fatigue

• Trouble sleeping

 

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

Signs of bulimia include many of those listed and also may include:

• Bruised or callused knuckles, bloodshot eyes, light bruising under eyes

• Sore throat and/or swollen glands

• Binging and/or purging

• Fear of not being able to control eating

• Trips to the bathroom following meals, sometimes using running water to hide the sound of vomiting

 

Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

In addition to the signs listed for anorexia and bulimia, compulsive overeating also may include:

• Chronic dieting

• Hiding food in strange places to eat at a later time

• Blaming hardship in life on weight

• Belief food is his/her only friend

• Excessive sweating and shortness of breath

• High blood pressure and/or cholesterol

• Leg and joint pain, decreased activity

• Weight gain

So why is it so dangerous? These put nonstop strain on your body and brain. The lack of nutrition can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormone loss and electrolyte imbalances.

• Anorexia. The process of starvation can affect most organ systems. Physical dangers include constipation, low heart rate/blood pressure, abdominal pain, dry skin, fine body hair and lack of menstrual periods. Anorexia also causes anemia, bone loss, kidney problems and changes in brain function.

• Bulimia. Vomiting and laxative abuse can lead to swollen glands, vitamin and mineral imbalance and wearing down of tooth enamel. There also can be long-lasting problems with digestion and the heart.

• Binge Eating Disorder. This disorder brings an increased risk for a heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, arthritis, bone loss and stroke.

Lisa Eisele, RD, CSO, LD is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian. She also holds a Board Certification as a Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. Lisa and her partner Stacy Paine, RD, LD own Oconee Nutrition Consultants, LLC. Both Lisa and Stacy are also Certificated Specialist in Adult Weight Management. 706-473-5801