Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Centers
Recognizing Eating Disorder Warning Signs
Steps for Seeing The Signs and Taking Action
An Often Overlooked Problem Eating disorders often go unnoticed by friends and family members who may not realize the seriousness of an individual’s condition or who may be in denial about it. Not noticing can be deadly, as eating disorders can become serious enough to be life threatening. Knowing the signs of eating disorders and having the courage to confront a friend or family member about the problem and encouraging them to seek help can save a life.
Millions At Risk In the U.S., about 24 million people – mostly women - will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time during their lives. The most common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Eating disorders can be very serious, as they can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as serious gastrointestinal issues. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any illness.
Common Physical and Behavioral Symptoms of Anorexia • Extreme weight loss • Frequent fatigue and insomnia • Irregular heart rhythms • Irritability • Lying about eating • Flat affect
Subtle Hints At A Problem There are some subtle signs that friends and family members can observe that may be indicators of anorexia. These signs include: • • • • •
Frequent weighing and complaints of being fat. Frequent self-checking in mirrors. Odd eating rituals, such as spitting out chewed food or cutting food into small pieces. Frequent meal skipping and excuses for not eating. A reluctance to eat in public.
Physical & Behavioral Symptoms of Bulimia • •
• • • • • • •
Frequent fluctuation in weight Puffy cheeks caused by frequent vomiting Food stashes or disappearances of food Scratchy or raspy voice Bulimics are frequently slightly overweight Dry skin Irregular heart beat Bloating Muscle cramps
Tell-tale Signs of Bulimia Like anorexia, there are some tell-tale behaviors that may indicate bulimia, such as: • • • • • •
Repeated eating of large quantities of food at one time. Reluctance to eat in public. Going to the bathroom during meals or immediately after a meal. Over-exercise. A severely distorted body image. Damaged teeth or gums.
Eating Disorder Statistics • • •
About half of people with eating disorders also have depression. Only about one in ten people with eating disorders get treatment. The vast majority of eating disorders develop in a person’s teens or early 20s.
Approaching a Friend or Loved One •
• • • •
Discuss your feelings about your concerns about your friend or loved one. Focus more on the relationship than on weight and food. Make no comments on their appearance. Make it clear that you are concerned about their health, but respect their privacy and autonomy. Do not make ultimatums or insist on changes. List your concerns and avoid judgmental statements. Suggest counseling.
About Mirasol Recovery Centers
Mirasol Recovery Centers, is a Tucson, AZ based center for treating eating disorders. The organization provides a variety of inpatient and outpatient services to clients and uses a holistic approach to treating the problem of eating disorders. Mirasol staff combine medicine, psychology and alternative medicine to find the most effective treatment for clients. For more information, visit http://www.mirasol.net/.
Photo Credit
All photos taken from client website, Morguefile, iStock, National Positions Lightbox and Everystockphoto.
Summary
Recognizing an eating disorder in a loved one is the first step in convincing them to seek help. Knowing the signs of eating disorders can help.