Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and the ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2018

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa

  • eat very little on purpose

  • have an intense fear of weight gain or looking fat

  • have a distorted body image

Bulimia nervosa

  • overeat and feel out of control to stop

  • do things to make up make up for overeating such as throwing up on purpose

  • prevent weight gain by using laxatives, diuretics, weight loss pills, fasting, or exercising constantly

Binge-eating

  • overeat and feel out of control to stop

  • eat large amounts even when they are not hungry

  • may feel upset or guilty after binge eating

  • often gain weight, and may become very overweight

Avoidant/restrictive food intake (ARFID)

  • are not interested in food or avoid foods

  • lose weight, or don't gain expected amount of weight

  • don't have a poor body image

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Signs and symptoms vary, depending on the type of eating disorder. Eating patterns and beliefs that might signal unhealthy behavior are red flags that might indicate an eating disorder. Some signs and symptoms include:

  • Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gain

  • Frequently skipping meals or refusing to eat

  • Excessive focus on food

  • Persistent worry or complaining about being fat

  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws

  • Using laxatives, diuretics or enemas after eating when they're not needed

  • Forcing yourself to vomit or exercising too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing

  • Repeated episodes of eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting

  • Expressing depression, disgust or guilt about eating habits

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2018

How to Manage an Eating Disorder

Tell someone

If you think that you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, tell a trusted adult. Eating disorders can cause severe physical health consequences if left untreated.

Source: Kidshealth.org

Get help

Seek help from a professional, including a medical doctor and mental health treatment. The details of the treatment depend on the type of eating disorder and how severe it is.

Be patient with yourself

There's so much to learn, and change happens a little at a time. Take care of yourself and be with people who support you.

Don't give up

Treatment takes time and effort. Work hard to learn about yourself and your emotions. Ask questions any time you have them.

Phone Apps

Recovery Record

Free to download for anyone recovering from an eating disorder and wanting to develop a more positive body image.

Rise Up + Recover

Free app to track meals and how you feel when you eat them, but you can also transcribe your progress into a PDF printout.