Eating Disorders—What You Need to Know

EATING DISORDERS—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Did you know? Per the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately 30 million people in the United States will be affected by an eating disorder during their lifetime.

In today’s society, unrealistic Warning Signs & Symptoms standards of beauty and weight are Many eating disorders have similar signs and widely advertised through the media. symptoms. These can include concentration problems, This negative information can result decreased energy, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The in pressure for unhealthy weight table below lists signs and symptoms that relate to management, causing eating disorders. These disorders anorexia or bulimia. have devastating effects on mental and physical health DISORDER SIGNS & SYMPTOMS and can affect anyone. • Self-starvation & unusual weight loss Definition & Causes Anorexia • Unnecessary physical exercise An eating disorder is a condition that negatively affects • Irregular or missed periods (in females) eating or eating patterns. Societal or mental aspects, as well as physical causes, can lead to the development of • Binge eating followed with vomiting an eating disorder. Examples of these factors are social Bulimia • Denial of hunger • Swollen salivary glands pressures, depression, certain medications, and other disease states. Health Effects

Different Types Eating disorders have both mental and physical There are several types of eating disorders. Each type consequences on the body. Health effects caused by anorexia or bulimia are listed here. can be associated with different behaviors and symptoms. Examples of these disorders can include, but DISORDER HEALTH EFFECTS are not limited to: • Muscle loss & weakness • Binge eating (eating large amounts of food at once) Anorexia • Dehydration, dry hair & skin • Cachexia (cancer-induced loss of appetite) • Slow heart rate & low blood pressure Two of the most common eating disorders are anorexia • Tooth decay & staining nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Bulimia • Stomach or esophagus rupture

Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) • Abnormal bowel movements & constipation

This type of eating disorder results in serious, unhealthy Prevention & Treatment weight loss. The weight loss can be due to restricting Eating disorders are treatable. Treatment options for calories, skipping meals, or refusing to eat. Many people these disorders focus on both the causes and symptoms who are anorexic believe that they are overweight, even of the condition. Treatment must also be specific to the when they are severely underweight. Most often, those individual. Counseling or therapy can be an effective who are anorexic will weigh themselves a lot. option in treating disorders caused by mental Bulimia Nervosa (bulimia) or social aspects. Medication and nutritional Similar to anorexia, bulimia can also result in unhealthy needs can also be used to treat the physical weight loss. However, those who are bulimic will binge damage from the condition. eat and then purge to offset the amount of calories consumed. The act of purging can include vomiting, Remember, it is important to seek help fasting, or abusing laxatives. Although many people from a medical professional when who are bulimic are within a normal weight range, they treating any eating disorder. still maintain their weight in unhealthy ways.

For informational purposes only; not meant to supersede the advice of a physician. If you have questions regarding this information, please consult your medical professional.

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