Let's Talk About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are mental health disorders in relation to eating. These disorders involve severe problems with your food thoughts and eating behaviors (eating a lot more or a lot less than you need).
Eating disorders can affect your body’s ability to receive the proper nutrition it needs. This lack of food or overeating can negatively affect one’s health. At Rise Counseling and Diagnostics, we strive to provide services for children and families to assist with disorders such as these.
Eating disorder awareness week will take place on February 20th- 26th this year. Below is a list of different types of eating disorders. If you feel your child might be suffering from one of these disorders, please know that Rise is here to help. Our team knows how to handle the emotional trauma that is associated with these sorts of disorders and can help your child recover appropriately.
Types of Eating Disorders:
Binge-Eating
Binge-eating is the most common eating disorder in the United States. This type of eating is out of control or in excess. Individuals with binge-eating disorders keep eating after they are full and often to the point of discomfort. After they eat, they often have feelings of shame, guilt, and distress. This eating disorder can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Bulimia Nervosa
Individuals with bulimia nervosa have periods of binge-eating with purging that follows (vomiting or laxatives). Over-exercising and fasting are often associated with this disorder, as well. Individuals with this eating disorder can be slightly underweight, normal weight, or overweight.
Anorexia Nervosa
Avoiding food, severely restricting food, or eating in very small quantities of certain foods. These individuals may see themselves as overweight. This is the least common eating disorder, but the most dangerous.
Common Signs of Eating Disorders:
- Dramatic weight loss
- Compulsive exercise
- Appears uncomfortable to eat around others
- Skipping meals
- Extreme mood swings
- Menstrual irregularities
- Dizziness upon standing
- Sleep issues
- Episodes of frequent binge eating
- Evidence of purging behaviors (use of laxatives or vomiting)
- Dry skin and hair, brittle nails
- Yellow skin
- Disgust, depression, or guilt related to food
- Drinking excessive amounts of water, mouthwash, mints or gum
- Poor wound healing
- Impaired immune function
- Dental problems from purging
- Calluses on the back of hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting
- Dressing in layers to hide weight loss
- Making frequent comments about being “fat”
If your family needs help with an individual with an eating disorder, please contact us today to Get Started! You can also learn more about eating disorders by reading our previous blog on Eating Disorder Awareness.
References included MedlinePlus and NationalEatingDisordres.org.