Eating Disorders
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Weighing the Facts on Eating Disorders

Eating disorders negatively affect both the mind and the body. Eating disorders are considered a medical condition and in 1980, the American Psychiatric Association formally classified these conditions as mental illnesses.

Eating Disorders Throughout History

Although eating disorders first came to widespread attention in the 1970s, self-starvation and other abnormal eating practices are found throughout history. Bulimia was widely known in both Greek and Roman societies and was recorded in France as early as the eighteenth century.

Self-starvation for religious reasons became widespread in Europe during the Renaissance, as hundreds of women starved themselves, often to death, in hopes of reaching communion with Christ.

Diagnosis

Individuals with eating disorders are obsessed with food, body image and weight loss. They may have severely limited food choices, have bizarre eating rituals, drink excessive amounts of fluids, chew gum and avoid eating with others. Depending on the severity and duration of their illness, here are some of the physical symptoms they may have: weight loss, amenorrhea (stop of menstruation), loss of interest in activities they normally enjoy, low blood pressure, low body temperature, constant and unexplained vomiting, as well as the growth of soft, fine hair on the body and face.

There are various types of eating disorders, each with its own physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms. They are classified into four different diagnostic categories by the American Psychiatric Association: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

Each of the common eating disorders is outlined below with general descriptions. Individuals can suffer from one or a combination of these. If you suspect that you or someone close to you struggles with any of these eating disorders, you are encouraged to learn more about the complexity of the illness and to speak to someone about it. With the help of a strong support system, people can overcome this and go on to thrive. If an eating disorder is not treated, it can lead to serious health issues and even death.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is diagnosed as intentional weight loss of 15 percent or more of normal body weight. The anorexic displays an extreme fear of weight gain or becoming fat, even though he or she may be extremely thin. Food intake is strictly limited, often to the point of life-threatening starvation. Sufferers may not know or are in denial about their weight loss so they may resist treatment.

Peak ages of the start of anorexia are usually between the ages of 12 or 13, to 17. Among women of menstruating age, menstruation can stop due to weight-related declines in female hormones.

This illness has two subtypes: the restricting type, in which weight loss is achieved only by decreasing food intake, and the binge eating/purging type, in which anorexic behavior is combined with regular episodes of binge eating or purging (throwing up).

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is defined by repeat episodes of bingeing (eating too much) followed by compensatory behaviors (trying to offset the bad effects) to prevent weight gain.

Compensatory behaviors include vomiting, diuretic and laxative abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise. Like the anorexic, the typical bulimic has abnormal concerns about body weight and weight loss. Unlike the anorexic, he or she is extremely aware of it and has a greater sense of guilt and loss of self-control.

Bulimia typically develops during the late teens and early twenties. In contrast to the typically emaciated (overly thin) anorexic, most bulimics are of normal body weight, although their weight may change frequently.

Physically, the bulimic may have symptoms such as erosion of tooth enamel, swollen salivary glands, potassium depletion, bruised knuckles and irritation of the esophagus.

To meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating and related compensatory behaviors must happen at least two times a week for at least three months. Sufferers are classified into one of two subtypes: the purging type, which employs laxatives, diuretics, or self-induced vomiting to compensate for bingeing, or the non-purging type, which relies on behaviors such as extreme exercising or fasting to make up for binges.