Eating Disorders & Body Image

Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions that impact psychological, emotional and physical health. They are also widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed. It is important to note you cannot determine the severity or type of one’s eating disorder by their appearance, and those with eating disorders may hide their distress so it goes undetected. In fact, those suffering from eating disorders may be unaware that they are sick or question if they are “sick enough.” Eating disorders impact people of all backgrounds, ages, races, genders and body sizes. They also have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, which includes death by both medical complications and suicide.

Individuals with eating disorders generally suffer from high amounts of anxiety. While fear is a common thread, the focus of the fear can vary widely (i.e. fear of weight gain, fear of rejection, fear of being unhealthy, fear of choking). The resulting eating disorder behaviors may vary person to person and may change over time. While recovery is possible at any age and after any duration of illness, early intervention is critical. This is not a “wait and see” situation or a phase that may pass. It’s a serious medical condition that requires specialized treatment.

Common Eating Disorder Behaviors Include (but are not limited to):
Calorie/Food Restriction*- Reduction of caloric intake or avoidance of particular foods or food qualities

   *Food restriction is likely a feature of all eating disorders. It may be more prevalent during some points in the day than others.

​

Binge Eating- Consumption of an excessive amount of food given the situation that is accompanied by a sense of loss of control and emotional distress

Purging- Any behavior that functions to “get rid of” food consumed, such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, compensatory exercise and fasting

Excessive or Compulsive Exercise- Physical activity that is unreasonable or excessive for the individual’s current medical status, that is compulsory and fear-driven, or that impacts other areas of one’s life

Body Image Rituals/Avoidance- Both excessive/checking and avoidance behaviors that occur as a result of heightened body image distress (i.e. looking in the mirror or avoiding the mirror, wearing baggy clothing, avoiding social situations due to distress)

Eating Rituals- Behaviors that functions to reduce anxiety around eating or to delay the actual consumption of food. (i.e. taking small bites, excessive chewing, tearing or smearing food, drinking water between each bite)