Eating Disorders
An eating disorder involves a distorted pattern of thinking about food and size/weight: there is a preoccupation and obsession with food as well as an issue of control or lack of control around food and it's consumption. There are several recognised eating disorders.
Anorexia: Anorexic people starve themselves with the aim of losing weight to a point which others would consider to be very thin (although the sufferer is unlikely to perceive themselves as such). The longer the condition continues, the more difficult it can be to tackle, and in severe cases can necessitate hospitalisation and can even prove fatal. Sufferers are typically in their teens or twenties and most are women, although around 10% are male. The following are symptoms:
- distorted perceptions of one's weight, size and shape
- behaviour which results in a marked weight loss
- a morbid fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
- excessive exercising (while starving)
- cessation of periods in women.
Bulimia: Bulimic people may well maintain their normal weight. The condition is characterised by:
- bouts of eating followed by purging
- distorted perception of own weight, size and shape
- a powerful urge to overeat, leading to binge eating and a resultant feeling of being out of control
- compensatory behaviour such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics or other medication;fasting; or excessive exercise
- a morbid fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
Non-specified eating disorders: Other, but related difficulties with food include:
- anorexic behaviour though still menstruating
- anorexic behaviour where, despite significant weight loss, current weight is still normal
- someone of normal weight inducing vomiting or purging after small amounts of food
- chewing and spitting food rather than swallowing
Life with an eating disorder is hard, this is especially so when you are at University, BEAT, Eating Disorders UK, Something Fishy, Centre for Wellbeing, your GP and Student Health Care are all good places to start to get the help and support you need.
If you are worried about a friend because you think they may have an eating disorder, be supportive and encourage them to speak to a professional but don't nag them or spy on them, they may open up to you if you should your true support. Speak to a nurse at Student Health Care who can give you advice and support if you are concerned about a friend or family member.
Some good books to help you
Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa - a self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural techniques Freeman, (Constable and Robinson, 2002)
The Food and Mood Handbook Amanda Geary, (Harper Collins, 2001)
How to Cope with Bulimia Joan Gomez (Sheldon Press, 1995)
On Eating Susie Orbach (Penguin, 2002)
Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e) - a survival kit for sufferers of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders Schmidt & Treasure (Psychology Press, 1993)
Anorexia Nervosa: a survival guide for families, friends & sufferers Janet Treasure (Psychology Press, 1997)