Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are serious and sometimes fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors and can affect every organ system of the body. Common eating disorders include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, orthoexia, laxative abuse, compulsive exercise disorder, and, the very serious, anorexia nervosa.
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) raises awareness for eating disorders and the often co-occuring mental health conditions that accompany them. These include: anxiety, substance use, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Eating disorders require expert care from someone trained to address them and any co-occuring conditions.
Symptoms
Change in attitudes and behaviors toward food Withdrawal from social activities and eating with others
Food rituals like cutting food into very small pieces Preoccupation with appearance and perceived physical flaws
Poor self-esteem tied to appearance Hoarding and/or hiding food
Eating in secret Excessive exercising, including when ill or injured
Consistent disappearance after meals Extreme interest in "fad" diets or "clean eating"
Mood swings Dental problems, like enamel erosion
Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down Non-specific gastrointestinal complaints
Menstrual irregularities Poor concentration
Risk Factors
Eating disorders affect all genders and transgender individuals experience these disorders at a higher rate than cisgender individuals.
A large study of 14– and 15-year-olds found that dieting was the most important predictor of a developing eating disorder. Those who dieted moderately were 5x more likely to develop an eating disorder, and those who practiced extreme restriction were 18x more likely to develop an eating disorder than those who did not diet.
Athletes may be at higher risk:
According to the NEDA, "Though most athletes with eating disorders are female, male athletes are also at risk—especially those competing in sports that tend to emphasize diet, appearance, size and weight. In weight-class sports (wrestling, rowing, horseracing) and aesthetic sports (bodybuilding, gymnastics, swimming, diving) about 33% of male athletes are affected. In female athletes in weight class and aesthetic sports, disordered eating occurs at estimates of up to 62%."
Let's Break the Stigma
Eating disorders are not uncommon and they are treatable.
Embrace body positivity and fight against diet culture in our conversations with our friends and family members.
Treatment
Treatment of eating disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach including psychiatric care, nutritional care, and medical care. Effective treatments are available and the sooner interventions begin, the more successful they are likely to be.
Your pediatrician, primary care provider, school wellness coordinators, and/or school social workers are able to help you navigate the complexities of arranging appropriate care.
Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
Please utilize the National Eating Disorder Association's guide for parents, teachers, coaches, and counselors.
