It can be difficult to notice signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, all of which involve abnormal eating behaviors. In a nation obsessed with body image, you could mistakenly think that a family member’s intense dieting and exercise are following a healthy path. People with eating disorders can become adept at disguising their weight loss or gain, eating habits, and other physical problems.
People with an eating disorder can become obsessed with food, body image, and/or weight, and at some point that spirals out of control, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. To compound the suffering, eating disorders often coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders.
The three most common eating disorders:
- Sufferers starve themselves because of a desire to maintain an unrealistic and unhealthy body image.
- Sufferers eat very large amounts of food and purge the excess calories through forced vomiting, excessive laxative use, or other methods.
- Binge eating. Sufferers compulsively overeat, often thousands of calories in a short period, and often in secret.
Anorexia is probably the best known eating disorder, yet it is the least common of the three, according to the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. However, it historically has resulted in more deaths than the other two.
Red flags:
If you’re concerned about a loved one, Mayo Clinic recommends watching for these red flags:
- Skipping meals
- Making excuses for not eating
- Eating only a few “safe” foods, usually low in fat and calories
- Routinely visiting the bathroom immediately after eating
- Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals
- Cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat
- Repeated weighing or measuring of themselves
- Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
- Withdrawing from friends and family, particularly following questions about visible symptoms
- Exercising excessively
- Complaining about being fat
- Not wanting to eat in public
- Calluses on the knuckles and eroded teeth from inducing vomiting
- Covering up in layers of clothing
How to intervene
The hardest part is starting the conversation about the concerns you have over a friend’s or relative’s medical condition. Certainly, in the case of minors, a parent can schedule a doctor’s appointment to get the ball rolling. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers a comprehensive parent toolkit that walks through everything from the first conversation to working with insurance claims.
Encourage adults to seek help from a doctor or counselor. Many Pennsylvania hospitals operate eating disorder clinics, and they can be a rich local resource for treatment and advice.
Chances are good your loved one will become angry and defensive when approached. Don’t take it personally, and don’t place blame. The website www.helpguide.org recommends using “I” statements such as, “I’m scared when I hear you throwing up.” The most important thing is to be patient and supportive while opening the lines of communication.
Treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient, often involves a team of professionals to address the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
Post-treatment
Dealing with an eating disorder doesn’t end when a treatment program is over for the patient or the family. Those who have ended treatment typically need the structure of a regular meal plan, contingencies to follow when in trigger situations, and ways to fill idle time. NEDA offers a long list of items to consider after treatment.