Eating Disorders

What is an eating disorder?

• Any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits.

• Eating disorders are an illness, no different to depression or anxiety.

• Can be fatal in extreme circumstances – people literally starve themselves to death.

Anorexia Nervosa

• Obsessive weight loss through both extreme diet and exercise.

• Irrational, unstoppable fear of gaining weight.

• Distorted self perception of one’s own body – a person with anorexia often doesn’t know it, or won’t admit it.

Anorexia Nervosa Cont.

• Often develops during teenage years and into early adulthood.

• Effects both males and females, although much more common in girls.

• Can lead to stunted growth, a weakened immune system, organ failure and even death.

Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge eating and then regurgitating foods, or consuming large amounts of food after fasting for a very long time.

• Regurgitation, laxatives or extreme exercise may all be used to remove food.

• Similar symptoms to anorexia, plus severe tooth decay and upper tract burns from vomiting, as well as extreme dehydration.

Compulsive Overeating

• The opposite to the previous two disorders – people can see themselves as thin when they are not.

• Leads to a whole range of health issues including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, stroke, depression and liver failure just to name a few.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2cqeM7BvuQ&feature=related

Who can help?

• Beyond Blue – www.beyondblue.org.au

• www.Sane.org

• EDV – www.eatingdisorders.org.au

• Your Local Doctor