Definitions of Eating
Disorders
Including Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia and
Bulimia
Anorexia
Anorexia is a disorder in
which a preoccupation with dieting and thinness leads to excessive weight
loss. It is a disruption in normal eating habits which can be generalized
by a constant fear of gaining weight and becoming fat.
Signs of
persons with anorexia
- significant
weight loss
- compulsive
exercise
- dieting and
isolation
- disturbed
sense of body image
- obsession to
be thin
Symptoms of anorexia
- lowered heart
rate and blood pressure
- decreased
metabolic rate
- sensation of
coldness in extremities
- decreased
muscle mass
- insomnia
- constipation
- brittle hair
and nails
- dizziness/faintness
- decreased
concentration
- depression
- amenorrhea
(cessation of menstrual periods)
Major health
risks
- heart
failure
- osteoperosis
- infertility
- kidney
failure
- depressed
immune system
- pneumonia
- liver
disease
- exercise-related injuries (stress fractures)
- death
*an estimated 1000 women will die from anorexia each
year.
TESTIMONY
Bulimia
Bulimia involves frequent episodes of binge eating,
almost always followed by purging and intense feelings of guilt or shame.
Bulimia is an attempt to control weight gain and sometimes involves the use of
laxatives in addition to purging.
Signs of
persons with bulimia
- binging or
eating uncontrollably
- using the
bathroom frequently after meals
- preoccupation
with body weight
- depression/mood swings
- swollen
cheeks/glands
- impulsive
behaviors such as sexual activity, binge shopping, and alcohol/drug
abuse
Symptoms of bulimia
- fluctuating
body weight
- bloating, gas,
and stomach upset
- dehydration
- fatigue/weakness
- constipation/diarrhea
- dizziness/faintness
- callouses on
hands
- electrolyte
imbalance
- dental
problems (erosion of tooth enamel)
- menstrual
irregularities
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