RECOVERY WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF AN ? IS POSSIBLE.

• Preoccupation with weight, food, HELP IS AVAILABLE. Eating disorders are real, complex calories, , and/or . medical and psychiatric illnesses that • Development of abnormal, secretive, can have serious consequences for extreme, or ritualized food or health, productivity, and relationships. eating habits. For information, resources, They are caused by both genetic and • Withdrawal from usual friends and to get involved, visit: environmental factors. and activities. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org • Evidence of binge eating, such as the Eating disorders, including anorexia disappearance of a large amount of food. nervosa, , binge eating • Evidence of purging behaviors, CONTACT HELPLINE WHAT IS AN disorder, and OSFED (other specified including frequent trips to the Call or chat for resources feeding or eating disorder) are bio- bathroom after meals, self-induced and treatment options. psycho-social diseases—not fads, vomiting, periods of fasting, phases, or lifestyle choices. or , diet pill, or abuse. 800-931-2237 • Compulsive or excessive exercising. People struggling with an eating disorder • Discoloration or staining of the teeth. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ helplinechat often become obsessed with food, body • Feelings of isolation, depression, image, and/or weight. These disorders [email protected] anxiety, or irritability. can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated appropriately. The earlier a person receives treatment, the greater the likelihood of full recovery.

The signs listed may indicate an eating disorder but they are not all-inclusive. If you are concerned about someone and they are not demonstrating these NATIONAL EATING warning signs, speak with them or seek DISORDERS ASSOCIATION the guidance of a professional. 200 West 41st Street, Suite 1203 New York, NY 10036 212-575-6200 BINGE EATING DISORDER WHAT DOES HELP ENCOURAGE TREATMENT INVOLVE? HEALTHY BEHAVIORS Characterized primarily by self-starvation Characterized primarily by recurrent and excessive weight loss. binge eating without the regular use of Eating disorders require the care of a • Learn all you can about eating disorders compensatory measures. trained professional with expertise in and the dangers of dieting. Symptoms include: the treatment of eating disorders. Awareness encourages healthy attitudes • Inadequate food intake leading to Symptoms include: • The most effective treatment involves about food and body shape. significant weight loss. • Frequent episodes of eating large some form of psychotherapy or counseling • Model good behaviors in your attitudes about • Intense fear of weight gain, obsession with quantities of food in short periods of time. coupled with careful attention to medical food, body image, and weight-related issues. size, and persistent behavior to prevent • Feeling out of control during the binge. and nutritional needs. Avoid negative comments about your or weight gain. • Experiencing shame, guilt, and distress • Treatment should be tailored to the anyone else’s body. • Disturbance in self-image. after the binge. patient’s individual issues. Eat balanced meals, get plenty of rest, and • Denial of the seriousness of low body weight. • Treatment must address the eating exercise for enjoyment. Health consequences include: disorder symptoms as well as Demonstrate openness in talking to a Health consequences include: • Heart disease, type II diabetes mellitus, psychological, biological, nutritional, counselor and your loved ones about • Heart failure, osteoporosis, muscle loss, and gastric rupture, and gallbladder disease. interpersonal, and cultural forces that mental health. growth of lanugo (hair all over the body). contribute to or maintain the disorder. • Talk to others about natural differences OTHER SPECIFIED FEEDING • Early diagnosis and intervention in body types and the body’s powerful BULIMIA NERVOSA OR EATING DISORDER (OSFED) significantly enhance recovery. attempts to maintain these naturally varied shapes and sizes. Characterized primarily by a cycle of binge A feeding or eating disorder that causes WHO’S AT RISK? • Connect with organizations like the eating followed by compensatory behaviors, significant distress or impairment but does National Eating Disorders Association by such as self-induced vomiting, in an attempt not meet the criteria for another feeding or • Anyone can develop an eating disorder volunteering your time or giving a tax- to counteract the effects of binge eating. eating disorder. regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, deductible donation. culture, size, socioeconomic status, or Symptoms include: Examples of OSFED include: sexual orientation. • Regular intake of large amounts of food • Atypical anorexia nervosa • Eating disorders also impact the accompanied by a sense of loss of control (weight is not below normal) family, friends, and loved ones of over eating behavior. • Bulimia nervosa someone struggling. • Use of inappropriate compensatory (with less frequent behaviors) behaviors such as vomiting, laxative or • Binge eating disorder diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive (with less frequent occurrences) or compulsive exercise. • Purging disorder • Extreme concern with body weight (purging without binge eating) and shape. • Night eating syndrome (excessive nighttime food consumption) Health consequences include: • Heart failure, gastric rupture, tooth decay, Eating disorders come in many different rupture of the esophagus, and pancreatitis. forms and OSFED is equally as severe as the other eating disorder diagnoses.