We live in a society where thinness is equated with success and happiness. At some time in their lives, most women have suffered from issues related to weight, body shape and self-image. It’s not surprising, therefore, that for almost five to eight million people, these issues become imbalanced and take the form of the psychiatric disorders of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.

Anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with thinness and dieting that leads to excessive weight loss. Anorexics have an intense fear of fat, and their preoccupation with food and weight often masks other underlying problems.

Danger signs include, but are not limited to:

• the loss of significant weight accompanied by continued dieting
• the feeling of being fat and intense fear of weight gain
• preoccupation with food, calories, fat contents and nutrition
• lying about food and compulsive exercise.

Physical symptoms include

• hair loss
• cold hands and feet
• fainting spells
• constipation
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• loss of menses (periods)

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating which are almost always followed by purging (ridding the body of food). Purging can involve vomiting, abusing laxatives and diuretics, exercising compulsively and fasting. Binging and purging is often followed by intense feelings of guilt and shame. Bulimics may not be visibly underweight and may even be slightly overweight.

Danger signs include

• eating uncontrollably and then purging
• using the bathroom frequently after meals
• preoccupation with body weight
• depression and related mood swings
• feeling out of control.

Physical symptoms include

• swollen glands in the neck and face
• various digestive problems
• dental problems
• blood shot eyes
• vomiting blood
• irregular periods
• exhaustion

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. It involves uncontrolled eating usually kept secret. People with this condition engage in frequent binges but do not purge afterward. Binges are usually followed by intense feelings of guilt and shame. Many binge eaters suffer from weight gain because they consume large amounts of food.  However, the hallmark of a binge eating disorder is the feeling of being out of control with food.

Danger signs include

• eating when not hungry
• frequent dieting
• inability to stop eating voluntarily
• awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
• weight fluctuations and obesity
• depression
• feelings of shame and antisocial behavior

All these eating disorders involve the use of food as a dysfunctional means of coping with psychological problems. Eating disorders can have very serious medical consequences; they are often disabling and can be deadly. In addition to poor physical health, the depression, shame and agonizing sense of isolation caused by eating disorders disrupts families, interrupts schooling, damages careers and destroys relationships. However, with medical treatment and nutritional and psychological counseling, sufferers can develop strong inner resources to aid in their recovery.

The Christ Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Services in Cincinnati, offers an intensive 10-week eating disorder program to assist in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. For more information on the program please call 513-585-8500.