We’ve all heard about eating disorders. We see people in magazines and on TV who are very thin, and we assume they must have one. To some, eating disorders may seem glamorous or “no big deal.” I’ve even heard people say “I wish I had an eating disorder, then I wouldn’t have to worry about my weight anymore.”

Anyone who has suffered from an eating disorder knows how debilitating it can be, and those who “just don’t understand” need to know the facts. Eating disorders are extreme expressions of a range of weight and food issues experienced by men and women. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating. All are serious emotional problems that can have life-threatening consequences.

People with Anorexia Nervosa often have an intense and irrational fear of body fat and weight gain. They have a misperception of body weight and shape to the extent that the person may feel or see “fat” even when emaciation is clear to others.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge-eating and purging. Binge-eating is when a person consumes a large amount of food in a rapid, automatic, and helpless fashion which eventually creates physical discomfort and anxiety about weight gain. In order to remedy this anxiety, purging takes place in the form of self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, excessive exercising or very restrictive dieting.

Compulsive Eating or Binge-Eating Disorder is primarily characterized by periods of impulsive bingeing or continuous eating. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets to try to make up for the excess calorie intake.

It is important to know that you cannot simply look at someone and know whether or not they have an eating disorder. People who suffer from these disorders come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be very good at hiding their symptoms.

Common warning signs may include:

• A marked increase or decrease in weight unrelated to a medical condition.
• The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting, preference for strange foods, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, or secretive bingeing.
• An intense preoccupation with weight and body image.
• Compulsive or excessive exercising.
• Self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or laxative, diet pill or diuretic abuse.
• Feelings of isolation, depression, or irritability.

Seeking help is encouraged for those who have one or any combination of these signs. Although is may seem that an eating disorder is all about food, a doctor, therapist, and registered dietitian should all be part of the treatment team when it comes to addressing this often complicated issue.

Dawn Hedlund, R.D., L.D. is Wellness Coordinator at Roseau Area Hospital and Homes. In addition to organizing and overseeing health-related events and educational activities in Roseau County, Dawn is an ongoing contributor to HealthMatters. For more information about eating disorders, call Dawn at (218) 463-2500.