Eating Disorders

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Nearly 1 million Canadians live with a diagnosable eating disorder.

Eating Disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic class, abilities, races, and ethnic backgrounds. [NEDIC]

Eating disorders are not just about food. They are often a way to cope with difficult problems or regain a sense of control. They are complicated illnesses that affect a person’s sense of identity, worth, and self-esteem.

Eating disorders are treatable and with the right care, full recovery is possible.

What are eating disorders?

There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa

A person who experiences anorexia nervosa may refuse to keep their weight at a normal weight for their body by restricting the amount of food they eat or exercising much more than usual. They may feel overweight regardless of their actual weight. They may think about their body weight often and use it to measure their self-worth.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves periods of uncontrollable binge-eating, followed by purging (eliminating food, such as by vomiting or using laxatives). People who experience bulimia nervosa may feel overweight regardless of their actual weight. They may think about their body weight often and use it to measure their self-worth.

Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder involves periods of over-eating. People who experience binge-eating disorder may feel like they can’t control how much they eat, and feel distressed, depressed, or guilty after bingeing. Many people try to keep bingeing a secret. Binge-eating can be a way to cope or find comfort, and it can sometimes develop after dieting. Some people may fast (not eat for a period of time) or diet after periods of binge-eating.

Signs and Symptoms

The chance for recovery increases the earlier an eating disorder is detected. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of an eating disorder. Someone struggling with an eating disorder generally won’t have all of these signs and symptoms at once, and the warning signs vary across eating disorders and don’t always fit into neat categories.

NOTE: This isn’t intended as a checklist. Rather, these lists are intended as a general overview of the types of behaviors that may indicate a problem.

Common Signs and Symptoms of an Eating Disorder

Preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories, and dieting
Refuses to eat certain foods, and often eliminates whole food groups (carbohydrates, fats, etc.)
Makes excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food
Develops food rituals (e.g., eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate)
Withdraws from friends and previously pleasurable activities and becomes more isolated and secretive
Extreme concern with body size and shape
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance
Extreme mood swings
Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down
Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)
Menstrual irregularities — primary or secondary amenorrhea (not starting the menstrual cycle or the loss of the menstrual cycle) or only experiencing a period when taking hormonal supplements.
Difficulties concentrating
Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts) though some people with eating disorders do not have any laboratory abnormalities
Dizziness, especially upon standing
Fainting/syncope
Feeling cold all the time
Sleep problems
Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting)
Dental problems
Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails
Fine hair on body (lanugo)
Muscle weakness
Yellow skin (in context of eating large amounts of carrots)
Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet
Poor wound healing
Impaired immune functioning

To read more about the signs and symptoms visit the National Eating Disorders Association website.

Who does it affect?

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but some people may be at higher risk. People who experience lower self-esteem or poor body image, perfectionism, or difficulties dealing with stress may be more likely to experience an eating disorder. A lack of positive social supports and other important connections may also play a big part. In some cases, eating disorders can go along with other mental illnesses.

Our beliefs around body image are also important. While the media may often portray thinness as an ideal body type, this alone doesn’t cause an eating disorder. How we think about those messages and apply them to our lives is what affects our self-esteem and self-worth.

What can I do about it?

You may have a lot of difficult feelings around finding help—it isn’t always an easy step to take. Many people who experience an eating disorder are scared to go into treatment because they may believe that they will have to gain weight. Many also feel a lot of shame or guilt around their illness, so the thought of talking about very personal experiences can seem overwhelming.

Some people find comfort in their eating behaviours and are scared to find new ways to cope. Restricting food, bingeing, and purging can lead to serious health problems, but eating disorders are treatable and you can recover. A good support team can help you through recovery and teach important skills that last a lifetime.

Treatment for an eating disorder usually involves several different health professionals. Some people may need to spend time in hospital to treat physical health problems.

Counselling and support

Counselling helps people work through problems and develop skills to manage problems in the future. There are different types of counselling, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and interpersonal therapy. The entire family may take part in counselling, particularly when a young person experiences an eating disorder.

It can be very helpful to connect with support groups. They’re an opportunity to share experiences and recovery strategies, find support, and connect with people who understand what you’re experiencing. There may also be support groups for family and friends affected by a loved one’s eating disorder.

There are many self-help strategies to try at home. Skills like problem-solving, stress management, and relaxation techniques can help everyone cope with challenges or problems in a healthy way. You’ll find many different skills like these in counselling, but you can practice them on your own, too. And it’s always important to spend time on activities you enjoy and connect with loved ones.

A dietitian or nutritionist can teach eating strategies and eating habits that support your recovery goals. This is also called “nutritional counselling.”

Medication

While there are no medications specifically for eating disorders, medication may help with the mood problems that often go along with an eating disorder.

Medical care

Eating disorders can cause physical health problems, so you may need regular medical care and check-ups.

How can I help a loved one?

Supporting a loved one who experiences an eating disorder can be very challenging. Many people feel upset or even frightened by their loved one’s beliefs, behaviours, or state of well-being. An approach that focuses on support and understanding rather than control is best.

Here are some tips to help you support a loved one:

Remember that eating disorders are a sign of much bigger problems. Avoid focusing on food or eating habits alone.
Be mindful of your own attitudes and behaviours around food and body image.
Never force someone to change their eating habits or trick someone into changing.
Avoid reacting to a loved one’s body image talk or trying to reason with statements that seem unrealistic to you.
If your loved one is an adult, remember that supporting help-seeking is a balance between your own concerns and their right to privacy.
If your loved one’s experiences are affecting other family members, family counselling may be helpful
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and seek support for yourself.

Resources

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