They are serious emotional and physical problems
that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA is characterized
by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Symptoms include: - Refusal to maintain
body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
- Intense fear of
weight gain or being “fat”
- Feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
- Loss
of menstrual periods
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
BULIMIA NERVOSA is characterized
by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food--more than most people
would eat in one meal--in short periods of time, then getting rid of the food and calories through vomiting, laxative abuse,
or over-exercising. Symptoms include: - Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging
- Feeling
out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness
- Purging after a binge, (typically
by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting)
- Frequent
dieting
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
BINGE EATING DISORDER (also known as COMPULSIVE
OVEREATING) is characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point
of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings
of shame or self-hatred after a binge. People who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness,
which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe
obesity. OTHER EATING DISORDERS can include some combination of the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia,
and/or binge eating disorder. While these behaviors may not be clinically considered a full syndrome eating disorder, they
can still be physically dangerous and emotionally draining. All eating disorders require professional help. |
