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How can you tell if you or someone you know has an eating disorder?
Over five million American men and women of all ages, race and income
levels have eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa is an eating
disorder where a person binges, or eats a large amount of food all at once
and then purges, or forces themselves to vomit, takes laxatives, or
diuretics (water pills). Starving yourself by eating very little or
nothing at all is another eating disorder called anorexia nervosa.
People who have this condition can have a strong fear of body fat and
weight gain. Binge eating disorder happens when a person cannot
control her or his desire to overeat and often keeps the extreme eating a
secret. Unlike bulimia, with binge eating disorder, a person does not
purge her or his food. Extreme exercise to control weight is now being
looked at by experts as another type of eating disorder.
Women make up more than ninety percent of people with eating disorders.
Women may be more at risk for eating disorders because of a desire to have
the "ideal" figure often shown in the popular media (TV,
magazines, movies). As women, we need to like ourselves the way we are.
While the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, personality,
genetics, environment and body chemistry may play a role in developing
one. An eating disorder is a severe illness that requires help from a
health care provider, the sooner the better.
Support someone you know or think has an eating disorder. Do not focus
on how your friend looks - this may add to a negative body image. Also do
not demand the person eat or not eat. Let the person know that you care,
you are there to help, and try to get her or him to seek help. Most eating
disorders need professional treatment for a person to recover. The
National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following
resources to help you or someone you know identify eating disorders and
get help quickly.
Publications
-
Binge
Eating Disorder
People with binge eating disorder (BED) frequently eat large amounts
of food while feeling a loss of control over their eating. This fact
sheet describes the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatment of
BED, along with a profile of those at risk for the disorder.
-
Eating
Disorders
This fact sheet explains eating disorders that affect women, including
anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and
disordered eating. It discusses the health complications that can
arise from thease disorders. While there is no exact cause for eating
disorders, this fact sheet examines many characteristics that are
thought to contribute to the development of these dangerous disorders.
-
Eating
Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions
This publication contains information about anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa, binge-eating, and treatment strategies for these eating
disorders.
-
Frequently Asked
Questions - Anorexia Nervosa
This fact sheet contains information on anorexia nervosa. It discusses
possible causes of this disorder and the serious health problems that
can result from it. Ther is information on treatment options for
anorexics, a list of the signs that someone have this disorder, and
tips for how friends and family can help.
-
Frequently Asked
Questions - Binge Eating Disorder
This fact sheet contains information on binge eating disorder what
causes it and how it can be treated.
-
Frequently Asked
Questions - Bulimia Nervosa
This fact sheet answers common questions about bulimia nervosa. It
explains this eating disorder and may be likely to suffer from it. It
lists some of the warning signs of bulimia, its medical consequences,
and some options for treatment.
-
Frequently Asked
Questions - Eating Disorders
This publication contains information on eating disorders, who is at
risk, causes, the effects they have on a person's health, how to tell
if someone has an eating disorder, and treatment methods.
-
Resources
About Eating Disorders for Consumers
Bibliography of resources on eating disorders for consumers
-
Substance Abuse
Treatment Facility Locator
This Internet site can help you locate a substance abuse treatment
facility in your area.
-
Eating
Disorders: Psychotherapy's Role in Effective Treatment
This publication contains information on eating disorders, who can
suffer from them, what causes them, and the types of treatment that
can help.
Organizations
-
Academy for
Eating Disorders
-
Anorexia Nervosa and
Related Eating Disorders, Inc.
-
National
Eating Disorders Association
-
Overeaters
Anonymous
= Federal
government resources
Text on this page last updated:
September 2001
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