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Eating Disorders are not solely disorders
of eating. They are characterized by a focus on body shape,
weight, fat, food, and perfectionism and by feelings of
powerlessness and low self-esteem. The majority of people
who experience eating disorders are female. However, 5-20%
of people who have an eating disorder are male.
Table of Contents
What are the sign and symptoms?
Anorexia Nervosa:
- excessive concern about weight and shape
- obsession with food
- significantly reduced food intake, extreme dieting
- unusual eating habits
- noticeable weight loss
- excessive exercising
- feeling fat in spite of weight loss and increasing
thinness
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Bulimia Nervosa
- excessive concern about weight and shape
- large amounts of food are consumed with little weight
gain
- bingeing followed by feelings of fear, guilt, and
depressed mood
- food disappears from fridge and cupboards
- frequently spends time in washrooms after meals to
purge
- chronic sore throat
- evidence of vomiting or laxative abuse, or excessive
exercising
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Compulsive Eating
- thinks about food and eats often, consuming large
amounts of food when not physically hungry
- often feels out of control when eating
- eats as a reaction to feelings, stress, conflicts, and
daily problems
- feels high after overeating, which may be followed by
feelings of guilt
- chronic dieting and/or weight fluctuations may be
present
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What can I do if I have an Eating
Disorder?
- Acknowledge that your behavior is destructive, in need
of change and that change is your choice.
- Seek professional help. There are treatments for eating
disorders and you can be helped.
- Identify feelings before, during and after you overeat,
binge, purge or restrict.
- Set small goals that you can accomplish easily, and
congratulate yourself for every success.
- Focus on the present and the positive aspects of your
life.
- Take time to nurture yourself in ways other than with
food (such as a walk, a movie, a hot bath, a special
present).
- Enjoy your body. Choose fun activities, such as
dancing, yoga, swimming and biking.
- Talk to someone rather than choosing food for support.
- Don't wait for others to cure you.
- Start to appreciate different achievements in yourself
and others. Work toward the point where weight is no longer
something by which you rate your success. Think about your
accomplishments, positive personal qualities, and valued
relationships.
- Identify goals and activities you have been putting off
until you're "thin." Make a list and start doing them now.
- Explore any ambivalence about giving up old habits and
your fear of living without them. Take the risk to try new
behaviors, without being certain of the outcome.
- Recognize your personal rights. You have the right to
say no, you have the right to express your feelings or your
opinion, and you have the right to ask to have your needs
met.
- Keep a journal of your experiences, feelings, thoughts
and insights. This is a safe place to be honest with
yourself - the journal is for your eyes only, no one else
will be reading it or judging it. The journal can also help
you identify your "triggers" so that you may prepare
yourself to choose alternate strategies.
- Don't let the scale run your life. Remember the numbers
on a scale are not a value judgment on your self-worth.
Throw away the scale.
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How do I help someone with an Eating
Disorders?
- Let the person know you care and you are there to give
support. Reach out to the person, instead of focusing on
the eating behavior.
- Don't nag about eating or not eating, or spend your
time talking about food or weight-related issues.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help. Be
prepared that your suggestion may be initially met with
denial and hostility.
- Find ourside support for yourself. You can talk to a
counsellor, doctor, or other professional, or attend a
support group for family and friends of someone with an
eating disorder.
- Avoid comments on weight or appearance. Even if you
"compliment" someone on losing weight, you may be giving
the message that you only like the person because of the
weight loss.
- Read and learn as much as you can about eating
disorders. It will help you to understand more what the
person is going through.
- Be patient; overcoming an eating problem takes time and
help. It is not just a matter of willpower.
Return to the Table of Contents.
Adapted from: National Eating Disorders Information Centre,
Toronto; BC Eating Disorders Association, Victoria; National
Institute for the Compulsive Eaters, Vancouver.
Where to get help?
It is important to select a professional who is experienced
in treating eating disorders.
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