Eating Disorders

Note: Throughout this information, we use "she" when referring to a person with an eating disorder. However, eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent among males. This information on eating disorders is also applicable to men.

Since we live in a culture which is obsessed with thinness and dieting, it can be difficult to recognize when one's thinking or behavior has become dangerous. Eating disorders are very serious. Eating disorders have an impact on both physical and mental health. Left untreated, eating disorders can be fatal.

People develop eating disorders as a way of dealing with the conflicts, pressures, and stresses of their lives. Eating disorders may be used as a way to express control when the rest of one's life seems out of control.

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa & Compulsive Overeating

Anorexia Nervosa is self-imposed starvation. Anorexia is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder which usually stems from underlying emotional causes. Although people with this eating disorder are obsessed with food, they continually deny their hunger. Women with this eating disorder also limit or restrict other parts of their lives besides food, including relationships, social activities, or pleasure. Anorexia can cause severe medical problems and even lead to death.

Bulimia Nervosa is the repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed by some form of purging. Bulimia is a serious eating disorder which can be fatal. The purging associated with bulimia may be self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, or obsessive exercising. Women with this eating disorder often also feel out of control in other areas of their lives besides food. Women suffering from bulimia may spend money excessively, abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in chaotic relationships.

Binge Eating Disorder can affect women or men, though it appears twice as often among women. People with this eating disorder suffer from episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing followed by periods of guilt and depression. Binge eating is marked by the consumption of large amounts of food, sometimes accompanied by a pressured, "frenzied" feeling. Binge eating disorder may cause a person to continue to eat even after she becomes uncomfortably full.

How can I help someone with an eating disorder?

You may know someone suffering from an eating disorder. You may suspect that someone you know has an eating disorder but are not certain. You may feel that you are beginning to exhibit some eating disorder warning signs. What should you do?

If you feel that you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional counseling as quickly as possible. If untreated, an eating disorder will become part of a destructive cycle which can continue for years and may eventually lead to death.

Talking to an eating disorder treatment professional is the first step toward successful recovery. For more information on eating disorder treatment options in your area, please call The Renfrew Center at 1-800-RENFREW. Confidentiality is strictly observed and most insurance plans are accepted.

Eating Disorder Resources

The Renfrew Center offers an array of eating disorder resources concerning anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. For a list of eating disorder resources, including books, magazines, and films on eating disorders, click here.

This information is provided by The Renfrew Center Foundation to provide helpful information regarding eating disorders. The Renfrew Center Foundation is dedicated to supporting research, education, and advocacy in the field of eating disorder treatment and research. To receive a copy of this information in a printed brochure, please call 1-800-RENFREW.