Eating Disorders

Lauryn Marlar, Home and Community Extension Intern

Person Eating Food

Eating disorders (EDs) are one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting 9% of Americans. Chances are, you may know someone suffering from an ED. This article will describe signs and symptoms of the most common EDs to help you become aware of what to look for. Additionally, it will discuss what you can do if you know someone who is struggling.

Anorexia Nervosa:

If someone around you is struggling with anorexia nervosa (AN), they will have an intense fear of gaining weight. Those struggling with AN are obsessed with food and weight. They may make frequent negative comments about their body. They may demonstrate some of the following signs:

  • Severe food restriction
  • Avoiding activities surrounding food
  • Obsession with nutrition facts labels
  • Low body weight, but expresses feeling ‘fat’
  • Refusal to eat in public
  • Rapid weight loss

Bulimia Nervosa:

Individuals who struggle with bulimia nervosa (BN) also struggle with weight and food concerns and go through a ‘binge and purge’ cycle. In this cycle, someone will eat a large amount of food in a short period of time, and then try to get rid of the calories.

 If you’re concerned about someone you know, look for the following signs of BN:

  • Taking frequent trips to the bathroom right after meals
  • Blisters on the knuckles (from forcing oneself to throw up)
  • Tooth decay (especially on the back molars)
  • Exercising excessively
  • Feeling a lack of self control around food

Binge Eating Disorder:

Individuals who struggle with binge eating disorder (BED) will eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time. They may make comments about feeling a lack of control over how much they eat.

Signs and symptoms of BED to be aware of:

  • Someone who is always going on diets but never losing weight 
  • Disappearing of large amounts of food 
  • Refusal to eat in public
  • Obsession with weight/food 
  • Weight gain
  • Obesity

What to do if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder:

If you, or someone you know is struggling, do not delay seeking help! There are several resources available, including an eating disorder hotline available through the National Eating Disorder Association, which is available 24/7. Taking your concern to your general practitioner is a great place to start. They can help you put together a team of medical professionals, including a registered dietitian, a primary care physician, and a therapist. This team can help you or your friend overcome the disorder.

References

Barakat, S., McLean, S. A., Bryant, E., Le, A., Marks, P., National Eating Disorder Research Consortium, Touyz, S., & Maguire, S. (2023). Risk factors for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review. Journal of eating disorders, 11(1), 8. https://doi-org.byu.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00717-4

Fitzpatrick, K. K., & Lock, J. (2011). Anorexia nervosa. BMJ clinical evidence, 2011, 1011. Iqbal A, Rehman A. Binge Eating Disorder. [Updated 2022 Oct 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.byu.idm.oclc.org/books/NBK551700/

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2023, May 3). Eating disorder statistics: General & Diversity stats: Anad. ANAD National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/.

National Guideline Alliance (UK). (2017). Eating Disorders: Recognition and Treatment. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.byu.idm.oclc.org/books/NBK533174/  

Nitsch, A., Dlugosz, H., Gibson, D., & Mehler, P. S. (2021). Medical complications of bulimia nervosa. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 88(6), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.88a.20168

Walsh, J. M., Wheat, M. E., & Freund, K. (2000). Detection, evaluation, and treatment of eating disorders the role of the primary care physician. Journal of general internal medicine, 15(8), 577–590. https://doi-org.byu.idm.oclc.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2000.02439.x