Dieting is a billion dollar industry in the U.S. With special emphasis in January of each year, it seems every company has a new program, plan, or trinket designed to help take off the pounds. Sadly, some may take the lures of dieting and its fruits too far and instead of being healthier in the new year, end up dangerously close to disordered eating.
It has been estimated that about 8 percent of women have some type of eating disorder [Am J Psy; "Practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with eating disorders" (revision); 2000;157: 1-39]. This number is most likely on the conservative side due to the secretive nature of eating disorders.
Eating disorders can kill. In fact, considering anorexia on its own, the death rate for young women is twelve times higher than for women in the general population. [Am J Psy; "Mortality in anorexia nervosa," 1995; 152(7): 1073-4]. Whether eating disorders are borne off a diet gone too far or another reason, the risks are grave and attention is vital in helping someone avoid or overcome this destructive behavior.
Two major types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, which involves abstaining from food, and Bulimia Nervosa, which involves overeating followed by purging the system via laxatives, vomiting, or diuretics. The warning signs of each:
Anorexia
Behavioral:
- Refusal to eat/denial of hunger
- Change in mood
- Weighs frequently
- Preoccupation with food despite not eating
- Excessive exercise
- Loss of menses
Physical:
- Thin appearance
- Weight loss below body ideal
- Intolerance to cold
- Dry skin, brittle nails, thinning hair
- Fatigue
- Blood count not within normal limits
- Low Blood Pressure
Bulimia
Behavioral
- Binge eating with highly caloric foods
- Uses bathroom frequently after meals
- Weighs frequently
- Obsessive concern about weight, calories
- Alternates between fasting and overeating
- Feels guilt and shame regarding eating
- Hides food
Physical
- Body weight usually within normal limits
- Swollen glands along jaw
- Reddened knuckles (teeth marks from induced emesis)
- Use of laxatives and diuretics
- Discolored teeth
Anorexia and bulimia, if not deadly, can still do substantial harm. The problem is, the sufferer is focused on weight loss to the detriment of everything else. However, the pair of disorders can cause the following:
- Rupture of esophagus (bulimia)
- Irregular heart rates
- Kidney damage
- Loss of teeth
- Heart damage
- Growth of lanugo (anorexia)
- Dizziness, fainting
- Dehydration
- Osteoporosis
- Electrolyte imbalance
Sadly, the disorder becomes the impetus for the individual's behavior to the exclusion of all else, including help. If you know someone who has or might have an eating disorder, be supportive, offer no judgment. Females (and males) with disordered eating are judging themselves enough for everyone. Eating disorders are serious, but they can be overcome. Below are two resources for additional information on eating disorders and where to get help.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
National Institute of Mental Health/eating disorders
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