Eating disorders are manifested as anorexia (severe restriction of food), bulimia (binge eating and purging) and compulsive overeating. Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses and, like other illnesses, they adversely affect an individual's physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being, causing disruptions in personal relationships, destructive effects on physical and mental health, and damage to overall life outlook.
Specific symptoms divide eating disorders into three major categories. These symptoms may operate individually or may overlap depending upon individual circumstances. Recovery from an eating disorder usually requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach that focuses attention on eating behavior, body image, cultural and family dynamics, developmental history, self-esteem, and attitude about life.
The symptoms of an eating disorder directly arise from a distorted body image, impaired self-esteem, decreased personal power and a preoccupation with food and weight. If untreated, symptoms will escalate over time and become potentially life-threatening. All the symptoms impact a person's ability to function effectively within his or her own system. The tendency to become isolated is a hallmark of eating disorders and produces feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Below is a listing of some of the various symptoms of bulimia, anorexia and compulsive overeating. The following checklist will help you determine whether you should be concerned about your eating or the behavior of a friend or loved one.
Bulimia:
- Perceived lack of control over eating behavior.
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
- Regular purging behavior to prevent weight gain, including self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or fasting, or vigorous exercise.
- Persistent preoccupation with body shape, weight, and food.
- Excessive food consumption with no apparent weight gain.
- Physical complications include light-headedness, pains or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, gland enlargement, dehydration, muscle weakness and cramps, persistent headache, hair loss and menstrual disturbance.
Anorexia:
- Willful fasting or starvation.
- Pronounced weight loss (15% of original body weight).
- Intense fear of gaining weight or of becoming overweight.
- Physical complications that include dizziness or fainting spells, pain or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, dehydration, muscle weakness and cramps, tendency to feel cold often, cessation of menstrual period, and hair loss.
Compulsive Overeating:
- Frequent binge eating, unconscious eating or continual overeating patterns.
- Poor impulse control.
- Obesity.
- Physical complications including high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes, arthritis or pain in the joints, sleep apnea, shortness of breath, and pain or pressure in chest.
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