EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is an obsession with food and weight that harms a person's well-being. Although we all worry about our weight sometimes, people who have an eating disorder go to extremes to keep from gaining weight.
What are the most common Eating Disorders?
Anorexia
People who have anorexia are obsessed with being thin. They don't want to eat, and they are afraid of gaining weight. They may constantly worry about how many calories they take in or how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills to lose weight. They may exercise too much. People who have anorexia usually think they're fat even though they're very thin. They may get so thin that they look like they're sick.
Bulimia
Bulimia is eating a lot of food at once (called bingeing), and then throwing up or using laxatives to remove the food from the body (called purging). After a binge, some bulimics fast (don't eat) or over-exercise to keep from gaining weight. People who have bulimia may also use water pills, laxatives or diet pills to "control" their weight. People who have bulimia often try to hide their bingeing and purging. They may hide food for binges. People who have bulimia are usually close to normal weight, but their weight may go up and down.
What causes eating disorders?
Doctors don't know exactly. Possible causes include feeling stressed out or upset about something in your life, or feeling like you need to be "in control." Society also puts a lot of pressure on people to be thin. This pressure can contribute too.
What are the effects of Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses. They often go along with other problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and substance misuse. People with eating disorders can also have serious physical health problems, such as heart conditions or kidney failure. People who weigh at least 15% less than the normal weight for their height may not have enough body fat to keep their organs and other body parts healthy. In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and even death.
What are some of the warning signs of an eating disorder?
The following are possible warning signs of anorexia and bulimia:
• Unnatural concern about body weight (even if the person is not overweight)
• Obsession with calories, fat, grams and food
• Use of any medicines to keep from gaining weight (diet pills, laxatives, water pills)
More serious warning signs may be harder to notice because people who have an eating disorder try to keep it secret. Watch for these signs:
• Throwing up after meals
• Refusing to eat or lying about how much was eaten
• Fainting
• Over-exercising
• Not having periods
• Increased anxiety about weight
• Calluses or scars on the knuckle (from forced throwing up)
• Denying that there is anything wrong
Can Eating Disorders be treated?
Yes. For people who have anorexia, the first step is getting back to a normal weight. If you're malnourished or very thin, you may be put in the hospital. Your doctor will probably want you to see a dietician to learn how to pick healthy foods and eat at regular times. For both people who have anorexia and bulimia, family and individual counselling (talking about your feelings about your weight and problems in your life) is helpful.
Where can I get information and advice?
You can get this from your GP or from the following:
beat (previously the Eating Disorders Association) Website: www.b-eat.co.uk
Email: help@b-eat.co.uk
Adult helpline: 0845 634 1414 Monday to Friday 10.30am to 8.30pm
Saturday 1.00pm to 4.30pm
Youth helpline (for children and young
people aged 18 or under): 08456 347650 Monday to Friday 4.30pm to 8.30pm
Saturday 1.00pm to 4.30pm
Youthline email: fyp@b-eat.co.uk
Youthline text service: 07786 201820
