It is estimated that 10 million people in the United States and Canada struggle with eating disorders. These disorders are complex mental illnesses that can have devastating physical, psychiatric, and social effects on people of all ages. If you or a loved one need help dealing with an eating disorder, please consult a professional, such as Amy Dambrosio.
This article discusses the three most common types of eating disorders.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
People with anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight despite being dangerously thin. They limit the amount of food they eat and/or engage in excessive exercise. Some will also make themselves vomit after eating. This disorder has the highest death rate of any mental illness. Anorexia affects approximately 1% of females and 0.2% of males in the U.S. between the ages of 12 and 24.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:
– Lack of menstruation
– Extreme weight loss
– Fatigue
– Lack of energy
– Dry hair and/or skin
– Feelings of being fat, even when emaciated
– Cold intolerance
– Easily irritated
– Irregular heart beat
– Abnormal blood pressure
– Gastrointestinal problems
– Constipation
– The feeling that one’s body is fat, even when significantly emaciated
– The feeling that one does not have full control over their eating behavior
BINGE EATING DISORDER
People with binge eating disorder go through periods of overeating and feel out of control while doing so. They feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after gorging. Unlike bulimia, people with binge eating disorder do not purge to rid the body of food after a binge. BED affects between 2% and 3% of females at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder (BED):
– Feeling of lack of control over excessive food intake
– Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
– Feeling of shame
– Binge eating alone
– A feeling of loss of control
– Eating until the point of discomfort
– Eating large amounts of food in a short time frame
– Eating quickly
– Regular dieting
BULIMIA NERVOSA
People with bulimia nervosa engage in a cycle of binge eating and then purging. Purging can be done by self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretics, starvation, or excessive exercise. The cycle is often a secretive behavior that people won’t discuss in public or with friends and family. Bulimia affects between 3% and 6% of people at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa:
– Feeling of lack of control over food intake
– Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
– Feeling of shame
– Regular and extreme dieting
– Frequent use of the bathroom after meals
– Feeling out of control over what and how much one eats
– Regular use of laxatives, diuretics, drugs, or enemas
– Vomiting regularly
– Regular use of diet pills and/or water pills
– Extreme sensitivity
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