Eating Disorder
An eating disorder involves a heavy fixation on appearing overweight or appealing unattractive. An eating disorder typically occurs when an individual has distortions in their thought process regarding body image, which can lead to behaviors that interfere with that person’s ability to function.
Two of the most common eating disorders are 1) Anorexia Nervosa, which is characterized by the utilization of extreme strategies to lose weight such as dieting, fasting, over exercising or using laxatives, and 2) Bulimia Nervosa, which is characterized by frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food followed by a behavior to compensate for that binge, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercising.
-
Excessive weight loss or fluctuations in weight
Fasting
Counting calories
Binge eating
Vomiting or laxative use
Excessive exercise patterns
Fainting
Extreme dissatisfaction with body
Fear of gaining weight
Brittle hair and nails
Low blood pressure
Feeling cold frequently
Worn tooth enamel
-
Eating disorders affect up to 30 million people in the U.S. annually.
Eating disorders are 2-3 times more common in females than in males.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
More than half (56.2%) of respondents with anorexia nervosa, 94.5% with bulimia nervosa, and 78.9% with binge eating disorder met criteria for at least one other of the core DSM-IV disorders.
Take the First Step Towards Mental Wellness
Concerned about your mental health or that of a loved one? The Mental Health Association's free and confidential screening tool can help you identify signs of mental health conditions and connect you with resources for support.
Learn more about your mental health
Identify signs of mental health conditions
Connect with local resources for support
Start Your Journey Towards Mental Wellness Today!
