Eating disorders are extreme expressions of a range of weight and food issues experienced by both men and women. They include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified. All are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences.

What Causes an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders arise from a complex combination of factors, including psychological, interpersonal, genetic, and social conditions. Feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as troubled family and personal relationships, may contribute to the development of an eating disorder.

Dieting, binging, and purging are destructive attempts for some people to cope with painful emotions and to feel as if they are in control of their lives. In reality, these behaviors undermine physical health, self-esteem, competence, and control.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Anorexia Nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss, poor body image, and irrational fears of weight gain and obesity. 


Bulimia Nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of rapid, uncontrolled eating of large amounts of food in a short period of time.  Episodes of binge eating are often followed by purging.


Binge Eating Disorder: An eating disorder characterized by periodic binge eating, which normally is not followed by vomiting or the use of laxatives.  People must experience eating binges twice a week on average for over six months to qualify for this diagnosis.

What Are Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder?

  • A marked increase or decrease in weight not related to a medical condition
  • The development of abnormal eating habits like severe dieting, preference for strange foods, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, or secretive binging.
  • An intense preoccupation with weight or body image
  • Compulsive or excessive exercising
  • Self-induced vomiting; periods of fasting; or laxative, diet pill, or diuretic abuse
  • Feelings of isolation, depression, or irritability

What Are the Health Consequences?

Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa:


-The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body.
-Electrolyte imbalances can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is a result of purging behaviors.
-Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing.
-Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus.
-Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting.
-Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation.
-Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis.

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa:


-In anorexia nervosa’s cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. And the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy.
-Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which increases the risk for heart failure.
-Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones.
-Muscle loss and weakness.
-Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.
-Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
-Dry hair and skin; hair loss is common.
-Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

Information from http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

What Can I Do To Help Myself?

  • Get professional help. An eating disorder is a very serious condition that puts your life in jeopardy.
  • Talk with people who support, love, and accept you. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength and beauty.
  • Keep a Top Ten list of things you like about yourself. Add to your list often.
  • Eat when you are hungry. Rest when you are tired. Take good care of yourself.
  • Eat a variety of foods
  • Stop restricting and dieting

What Can I Do to Help Someone I Love?

  • Learn as much as you can about eating disorders. One reputable source is www.NationalEatingDisorders.org.
  • Know the difference between facts and myths about nutrition and exercise.
  • Talk openly and honestly about your concerns; avoiding or ignoring the issue won't help.
  • Be caring but firm. Ultimately, the only person who can create change is your loved one. You don't need to feel responsible.
  • Talk to someone who can help. It may seem very difficult to know when, if at all, to tell someone else about your concerns. Addressing eating problems in their beginning stages probably offers your loved one the best chance for working through them and becoming healthy. Don’t wait until the situation is so severe that her life is in danger. Consider telling a doctor, a counselor, a bishop, or any trusted adult. She needs as much support and understanding as possible from the people in her life.

RESOURCES FOR REFERRAL:

BYU Counseling and Career Center
WSC 1500 (801) 422-3035

BYU Comprehensive Clinic
TLRB 200 (801) 422-7759

Center for Change (Orem Clinic)
224-8255 www.centerforchange.com

EDAP Hotline (Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention)
1-800-931-2237