Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorder

Anorexia: Here are some of the common warning signs that indicate that a person may be suffering from anorexia. The person: Is thin and keeps getting thinner, losing 15% or more of her ideal body weight. Continues to diet or restrict foods even though she is not overweight. Has a distorted body image—feels fat even when she is thin. Is preoccupied with food, calories, nutrition, or cooking.

• Denies that she is hungry.
  
• Exercises obsessively.
  
• Weighs herself frequently.
  
• Complains about feeling bloated or nauseated even when she eats normal—or less than normal—amounts of food.
  
• Loses her hair or begins to experience thinning hair.
  
• Feels cold even though the temperature is normal or only slightly cool.
  
• Stops menstruating.

Bulimia: Here are some of the common warning signs that a person may be suffering from bulimia. The person:

• Engages in binge eating and cannot voluntarily stop.
  
• Uses the bathroom frequently after meals.
  
• Reacts to emotional stress by overeating.
  
• Has menstrual irregularities.
  
• Has swollen facial glands, giving her chipmunk cheeks.
  
• Experiences frequent fluctuations in weight.
  
• Cannot voluntarily stop eating.
  
• Is obsessively concerned about weight.
  
• Attempts to adhere to diets, but generally fails.
  
• Feels guilty or ashamed about eating.
  
• Feels out of control.
  
• Has depressive moods.

Compulsive Overeating: People with compulsive eating disorder feel unable to stop eating, eat very fast, eat when they're not hungry, eat only when alone, or eat nearly non-stop throughout the day. Compulsive eaters often over-indulge in sugary foods and use them in an attempt to elevate their mood. When they don't eat the foods they crave, they often experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Binge eating disorder: Here are some of the common warning signs that suggest a person may be suffering from binge eating disorder. The person:

• Eats large amounts of food when not physically hungry.
  
• Eats much more rapidly than normal.
  
• Eats until the point of feeling uncomfortably full.
  
• Often eats alone because of shame or embarrassment.
  
• Has feelings of depression, disgust, or guilt after eating.
  
• Has a history of marked weight fluctuations.

Obesity:

• More than 20% over ideal body weight. Ideal weight is based on gender, age, and typical activity level (e.g., sedentary or active).
  
• Body-fat percentage greater than 30% for women and 25% for men.

Health Consequences

Eating disorders can kill! Be aware of medical complications. Get professional help. Families and friends of eating disordered patients often do not realize the extent to which eating disorders can create serious physical problems. Some of the more common medical consequences of eating disorders are easily recognizable and with early detection can be managed to prevent serious medical complications requiring hospitalization.

• Hypomagnesemia – a magnesium deficiency
  
• Hypolcalcemia – a calcium deficiency
  
• Dehydration
  
• Malnutrition
  
• Metabolic Alkalosis – high levels of bases (negative ions) in the body
  
• Metabolic Acidosis – high levels of acids in the body
  
• Low Blood Pressure
  
• Low Heart Rate
  
• Heart Failure
  
• Esophageal Damage (leading to possible rupture) – this usually happens quickly and is very dangerous
  
• Impacted bowels
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• Heart Arrhythmia
  
• Dental Problems

Body Image

Body image is . . .

• How you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.
  
• What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).
  
• How you feel about your body, including your height, shape, and weight.
  
• How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body, not just about your body.

Negative body image is . . .

• A distorted perception of your shape--you perceive parts of your body unlike they really are.
  
• You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.
  
• You feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious about your body.
  
• You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body.

Positive body image is . . .

• A clear, true perception of your shape--you see the various parts of your body as they really are.
  
• You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person’s physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
  
• You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
  
• You feel comfortable and confident in your body.

People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss.

If you are wanting help, our counseling center provides individual, group, couples, and family counseling.

There are two ways to setup an appointment with one of our counselors:

1) Fill out the Contact Form and a counselor will call you with 24-hours; 2) Call our offices at 303-933-5800.