Eating Disorders

Everybody doesn't like something. But here in Louisiana, nobody doesn't like to eat.
Right?

Well, not necessarily.

Most of us have been hungry after having too little food, or felt stuffed after eating too much. But when either is taken to an extreme, a person might be suffering from an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are medical conditions defined by abnormal eating habits.

Someone who eats too much and then purges may have "bulimia nervosa." Purging can take the form of self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, or the use of laxatives, diuretics or enemas.

Conversely, someone who restricts their food intake to the point of self-starvation and chronic weight loss probably suffers from "anorexia nervosa."

The most common eating disorder in the United State is "binge eating disorder." Binge eating occurs when someone eats an extremely large amount of food within a short period of time; generally two hours or less. Binge eaters frequently eat alone, quickly, and even when they aren't hungry.

There are many reasons why eating disorders occur. Sometimes they are related to other medical conditions. They can also be worsened by unrealistic body images presented in magazines or on TV.

The good news is you don't have to live with an eating disorder. Your EAP counselor can help you diagnose your condition and guide you back toward a healthy state of mind and diet.

If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, Please contact your EAP counselor.

The following symptoms and behaviors are common in people with anorexia:

  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Wearing loose, bulky clothes to hide weight loss
  • Preoccupation with food, dieting, counting calories, etc.
  • Refusal to eat certain foods, such as carbs or fats
  • Avoiding mealtimes or eating in front of others
  • Preparing elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat them
  • Exercising excessively
  • Making comments about being “fat”
  • Stopping menstruating
  • Complaining about constipation or stomach pain
  • Denying that extreme thinness is a problem
  • The following are common signs of bulimia:
  • Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time, or finding lots of empty food wrappers or containers
  • Evidence of purging, including trips to the bathroom after meals, sounds or smells of vomiting, or packages of laxatives or diuretics
  • Skipping meals or avoiding eating in front of others, or eating very small portions
  • Exercising excessively
  • Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
  • Complaining about being “fat”
  • Using gum, mouthwash, or mints excessively
  • Constantly dieting
  • Scarred knuckles from repeatedly inducing vomiting
  • Common signs of binge eating disorder include:
  • Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time, or finding lots of empty food wrappers or containers
  • Hoarding food, or hiding large quantities of food in strange places
  • Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
  • Skipping meals or avoiding eating in front of others
  • Constantly dieting, but rarely losing weight

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Resources: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-of-eating-disorders

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