Eating Disorders

Common Myths

1. Overeaters just like to eat too much.
2. Being overweight is not dangerous.
3. Being underweight is not dangerous.
4. Overweight people are very different from underweight people.

The Reality Is...

1. Compulsive overeaters suffer from a medical disorder.
2. Weighing too much or too little can cause serious medical problems and is sometimes fatal.
3. There are many psychological similarities between compulsive overeaters and under eaters.

What Are Eating Disorders?

We all need to eat to live, and eating is usually a normal pleasure in life. But
many people suffer from eating disorders that threaten them mentally and physically.
People with eating disorders are compulsive about their eating habits and suffer from
addictive behaviors that can be as serious as drug addiction. Though the problems are
expressed through eating, food and appetite are not the main problems. The person
with the eating disorder is acting out other serious concerns or problems through food
or eating.

How Serious Are Eating Disorders?

Long-term studies have noted as high as 15% to 20% mortality rate associated
with eating disorders. The majority or those who die from an eating disorder had
symptoms during youth. People with eating disorders need compassion,
understanding, and help in finding appropriate treatment rather than judgment or
rejection. These are serious, potentially fatal, disorders.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

• Depression, low self-esteem, guilt.
• Preoccupation with weight and food.
• Fear of losing control while eating.
• Feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, loneliness, helplessness.
• Social isolation.
• Severe mood changes.



Are You a Food Addict?

The following questions can help you define a potential eating problem. The
more questions you answer “yes” to, the greater the chance that you are having
problems with food.

• Do you feel guilty about eating?
• Are you prone to consume large quantities of junk food?
• Do you hide food or hide from others while eating?
• Do you eat to the point of nausea and vomiting?
• Are you sometimes repulsed by food?
• Do you relish preparing foods even if you don’t eat?
• Have you forced vomiting?
• Do you take laxatives to control weight?
• Do you weigh in on a scale more than once a week?
• Have you found yourself unable to stop eating?
• Do you fast to control weight?
• Do you know your eating pattern is abnormal and embarrassing?
• Do you eat until your stomach hurts?
• Does eating cause you to fall asleep?
• Do certain occasions require certain foods (i.e., movies and popcorn)?
• In your lifetime have you lost more than 50 pounds?
• Does a “good” restaurant serve large portions?
• Do you eat snacks before going out to eat with others?
• Do you eat standing up?
• Do you “inhale” your food?
• Do you become irritated at postponed eating?



What Are The Types Of Eating Disorders?

Experts do not always agree upon what qualifies an eating disorder. However,
most experts do agree upon anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Compulsive overeating is
also usually considered an eating disorder.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

This eating disorder is when dieting and even exercise become an
obsession. Dieting becomes self-induced starvation.
Exercise becomes a method to “get rid of” any calories the person actually does ingest.

What Is Bulimia?

Bulimia is episodes of binge overeating, followed by vomiting, fasting, or the use
of laxatives and diuretics to get rid of the food. Bulimics feel a loss of control over
eating that causes low self-esteem.

What Is Compulsive Overeating?

Compulsive overeating is an eating disorder characterized by using food as a
response to stress. Compulsive overeaters use food the same way some people use
alcohol or other drugs to displace depression, anger, or other difficult emotions. Not all
compulsive overeaters are fat or obese. Compulsive overeaters tend to alternate
between compulsive overeating and chronic dieting.

Treatment Recommended For Eating Disorders

Eating-disorder treatment usually involves cooperation among a professional
health care team. Therapy may include family and friends. Group therapy and
independent self-help groups may be used. Whatever the form of treatment, it is
important that it be specifically designed for the particular patient and his/her symptoms
and emotional needs.

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