Eating Disorders

Know the Facts

In a given year, 10 million female and 1 million male Americans live with eating disorders
Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or young adulthood
Men experience eating disorders just like women but are less likely to be diagnosed because this issue is so often considered a stereotypically "female" disorder
Only 33% of people with anorexia and 6% with bulimia receive mental health care
Eating disorders are treatable with medication and therapy, including group, family, and individual therapy. Nutrition counseling can also be helpful.

What is it?

Know the Facts

Symptoms

Eating Disorders: What are they?

Eating disorders are marked by severe disturbances in eating behavior, including extreme reduction of food intake, overeating, or feelings of extreme distress about body weight or shape. The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa (restrictive eating and over-exercise) and bulimia nervosa (eating and vomiting) though there are many more. Eating disorders are treatable medical illnesses with complex psychological and biological causes. People with an eating disorder can also often experience depression, substance abuse, or an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms

Anemia and/or low blood pressure
Irregular menstrual cycles or not getting a period all together
Muscular weakness, dizziness and fainting
Thinning/loss of hair, brittle nails, and dry skin
Over-eating at meals or binge-snacking in between meals
Obsessive thoughts and behaviors related to eating
Extreme dieting or eating very small amounts of food