Eating Disorders
What are eating disorders?
An eating disorder is an obsession with weight and food that harms a person’s well-being. We all worry about our weight from time to time, but people with eating disorders go to extremes to keep from gaining weight. Eating disorders are more common in cultures that focus on body image and weight loss.
There are two main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
What causes eating disorders?
No one really knows for sure, but there are lots of theories about the cause of eating disorders. Most likely, eating disorders are caused by a combination of things, like feeling stressed out and the need to be “in control.” Society also puts a lot of pressure on people to be thin, and this can contribute, too. In addition, teens who participate in competitive sports that emphasize being thin or artistic activities, such as ballet, gymnastics, track, or figure skating, are at higher risk for developing an eating disorder. Other triggers may be family stress, dealing with difficult transitions, experiencing loss, or being teased about weight from family or friends.
What is anorexia?
People who have anorexia are obsessed with being thin. They are afraid of gaining weight and don’t want to eat. They may constantly worry about calories and the fat content of food. Anorexics usually think they are fat, even though they are very thin. They may exercise too much or take diet pills, laxatives, or water pills to lose weight. People with anorexia don’t eat enough to keep their body working properly and get so thin they look like they’re sick.
What is bulimia?
Bulimia is eating a lot of food at once (called bingeing) and then throwing up or using laxatives to remove the food from the body (called purging). After a binge, some bulimics don’t eat for a while (fasting) or over exercise to keep from gaining weight. After bingeing, people often feel guilty and anxious. Bulimics often feel they have no control over their eating. People with bulimia may eat in private and hide what they eat from others, or eat until they are uncomfortable and exhausted. This illness can make people feel afraid or ashamed.
So what’s wrong with trying to be thin?
It’s healthy to watch what you eat and exercise. What isn’t healthy is worrying all the time about what you eat and what you weigh. People with eating disorders hurt their bodies because of their obsession with their weight.
If it isn’t treated, anorexia can cause the following health problems:
- Heart problems
- Stomach problems
- Irregular menstrual periods or none at all
- Growth of fine hair all over the body, including the face
- Dry, scaly skin
If it isn’t treated, bulimia can cause the following health problems:
- Kidney problems
- Stomach problems
- Heart problems
- Teeth problems (from repeatedly throwing up stomach acid)
- Dehydration (not enough water in the body)
Is an eating disorder my fault?
No, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and you can do something about it.
Can eating disorders be treated?
Yes! The first goal for anorexics is to get back to normal weight. Your doctor will probably want you to see a nutritionist to learn how to pick healthy foods and eat at regular times. For both anorexics and bulimics, counseling is helpful to help improve body image and self esteem.
What do I do if I think my friend has an eating disorder?
It can be really hard to talk to a friend who you think has an eating disorder. Lots of times, people with eating disorders are in denial and don’t want to talk about their problem. Your friend might get defensive or angry. Don’t let these reactions stop you from trying to help someone you care about.
What are the warning signs?
- Unnatural concern about body weight (even if the person is not overweight
- Obsession with calories, fat grams and food
- Using medicines to keep from gaining weight (diet pills, water pills, laxatives)
Other more serious signs might be harder to spot because people who have eating disorders try to keep it a secret. Look for these signs:
- Throwing up after meals
- Fainting
- Lying about how much was eaten
- Refusing to eat
- Calluses or scars on knuckles (from forced throwing up)
- Denying there is anything wrong
You may need to give your friend some time after you confront them about your concerns. Don’t expect that your friend will immediately accept help right away and change. This can be challenging. Being honest and patient with your friend will make it easier for you to support them. But most importantly, remember to tell an adult, such as a parent or a teacher, if you are worried about your friend.
You can also call the Teen Link telephone helpline or chat with a counselor online. Teen Link is a program of the Crisis Center. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who is trained to help or to someone who doesn’t know you.
