USI » Counseling Center » Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Basic Facts:

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Eating disorders 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. In anorexia nervosa's cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences.

Symptoms:

● 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 period
● Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Health consequences:

● Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which mean that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower.
● Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis) which results in dry, brittle bones
● Muscle loss and weakness
● Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure
● Fainting, fatigue and overall weakness
● Dry skin and hair, and hair loss are common
● Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm

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 use or over-exercising. The recurrent binge and purge cycles of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions.

Symptoms:

● Repeated episodes of binging 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

Health Consequences:

● Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death, caused by dehydration and the loss of potassium and sodium from the body due to purging behavior
● Potential gastric rupture during periods of purging
● Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
● Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting
● Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation due to laxative abuse
● Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis

BINGE EATING (COMPULSIVE OVEREATING) is characterized 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. People who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness which contribute to unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate or severe obesity. Binge eating often results in many of the same health risks associated with clinical obesity.

Health Consequences:

● High blood pressure
● High cholesterol
● Heart disease due to elevated triglyceride levels
● Secondary diabetes
● Gallbladder disease

OTHER EATING DISORDERS can include some combination of the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia and/or binge eating. 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.

If you would like to speak to a counselor about your situation or need a referral for treatment, please contact the USI Counseling Center at 812-464-1867 for an appointment with a counselor.

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600