DEALING WITH AN EATING DISORDER
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
I will never forget the first time I discovered an aquaintance was anorexic. She had been hiding under over-sized clothing for such a long time that I did not notice until she had to wear an evening dress. Her bones shot out, her cheeks were pale and her hair was limp and fragile like her limbs. By the time her relatives admitted she had body issues, it was almost too late.
Anorexia Nervosa is a DISEASE. It is not something that will improve over time or a phase that someone will "just grow out of." There are four major symptoms: 1. Resistance to maintaining current body weight or a normal weight, 2. Intense fear of gaining weight, even though s/he is underweight, 3. Feels severely inadequate because one thinks s/he is "fat," 4. Loss of menstrual periods (post-puberty females). If you suspect a friend has a problem, look for these warning signs, including: *Dramatic weight loss *Preoccupation with weight, diets and calories *Refusing whole food groups *Calling herself fat *Ignoring one's hunger *Excessive excuses to eat at mealtimes *Withdrawal from family and friends *Suddenly wearing over-sized clothing to conceal dramatic weight loss from family and friends.
Anorexia can result in death. In fact, it has one of the highest death rates of any mental health condition. Other health problems include an abnormally slow heart rate; reduction of bone density; fainting/fatigue; dry skin, hair and scalp; severe dehydration, resulting in kidney failure; and growth of a downy layer of hair known as lanugo all over the body in an attempt to keep the body warm.
BULIMIA NERVOSA
The sooner bulimia is detected, the chance for recovery increases. Bulimia's three major symptoms include *Consistent intake of large amounts of food *Regular use of laxatives or self-induced vomiting, fasting or an obsession with working out *An extreme focus on body weight. The warning signs to watch for include *Disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time *Evidence of purging, including repetitive trips to the restroom after meals (or smelling puke, finding laxative wrappers) *Unusual swelling of the cheeks/jaw *Calluses on backs of hands/knuckles from self-induced puking *Discoloration of teeth. Often a dentist can tell if a person is bulimic because the puke ends up rotting or causing discoloration of the teeth. Bulimic individuals tend to withdraw from social activities and family just like anorexics, and may make up excuses for their constant bathroom rituals.
Around eighty percent of all bulimics are female and it is often associated with depression and changes in a social environment. Common health consequences include tooth decay from bile (stomach acid), irregular bowel movements and constipation from laxatives, inflammation and possible rupture of the esophogus from constant purging, electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and heart failure, resulting in death.
CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERS
Often, those with eating disorders have low self-esteem, are depressed and feel a lack of control in their lives. A history of being teased/ridiculed about weight/size, or a past of physical/sexual abuse can trigger an eating disorder. Of course, a culture that praises thinness and physical appearance can make women feel inadequate. Scientists are also studying the human brain and discovering that some people have imbalances of certain chemicals that control hunger and appetite.
Related Links
*Learn to Love Your Body GO
*girl2girl Advice Column GO
*Dress to flatter your body GO
+ Communicate your concerns to your friend when the two of you are alone. She will probably get defensive, but at least she will know you care about her and also are paying attention to her behavior.
+ Ask your friend to see a doctor or specialist. If she declines and is in bad shape, you should maybe talk with someone else about it.
+ Do not blame your friend or act ashamed. Avoid making comments like "You really need to eat." Instead, offer her support but tell her you're concerned.
+Avoid pretending that there is a simple solution to her problem. It's serious and will not go away overnight. If she refuses to admit her problem, reiterate your concerns and leave your door open.