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Information about Eating Disorders

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Someone with anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa typically fears gaining weight and has low self esteem. The person may feel ineffective at school, in their work, or in their personal life.

Such problems are expressed through an obsession with food, body weight, or exercise.  Food restrictions, food rituals, binge eating, starving, vomiting or compulsive physical activity are some of the behaviours of people with eating disorders.

There is no known single cause of eating disorders.  Research suggests a combination of psychological, physiological and social factors may contribute to the development of anorexia or bulimia nervosa.  Many individuals have symptoms of both conditions.

Binge eating disorder or compulsive eating is differen from bulimia nervosa in that any form of purging, fasting or over-exercise does not follow eating.  Someone with a binge eating disorder is often generically predisposed to weigh more than the "average" person.  Due to culturally reinforced body dissatisfaction, the individual diets, becomes hungry, and then binges in response.

Characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa

- Intense and irrational fear of body fat and weight gain
- Determination to become thinner and thinner
- Body image distortion ("feeling fat" even when emaciated)
- Significant weight loss not due to any physical illness
- For females; amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)

Characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa

- Cycles of uncontrolled, secretive binge eating and purging
(e.g. by severely restrictive diets, self induced vomiting, use of laxatives or excessive exercise)
- Feeling out of control while eating
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
- Depressed mood
- Weight may appear "normal"

Compulsive Overeating

- Uncontrolled secretive binge eating
- Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
- Feeling guilty and ashamed of binge eating
- Depressed mood

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