Brochure 97248

Different Types of Eating Disorders The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa Those who have anorexia nervosa see themselves as being overweight when in reality they are underweight. People suffering from this disorder weigh themselves repeatedly, controls portions of food strictly, and eat very little or only eat certain things. Severe complications from anorexia nervosa include osteoporosis, heart damage, multi-organ failure, and even death. Bulimia nervosa This disorder is categorized by eating unusually large amounts of food, then feeling ashamed of themselves and their bodies, and using laxatives or forcing themselves to vomit to rid themselves of that large amount of food. Severe complications include chronically inflamed throat, chronic acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems, severe dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance which can cause a heart attack or stroke.

What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are defined by extreme attitudes and behaviors involving food and body weight. These behaviors may start as eating smaller portions and may progress to extreme disordered eating, including not eating at all. Eating disorders are serious problems that affect the individual not only physically but psychologically, as well. A common misconception about eating disorders is that only females suffer from these illnesses. Men can also develop eating disorders and can deal with the same life-threatening consequences as women. Eating disorders usually develop among teenagers but can appear during childhood or later on in an adult’s life.

The Dangers of Eating Disorders

An explanation of these serious diseases, common eating disorders, statistics, treatment, and what to do if you or someone you know is suffering.

What can we do?

Treating Eating Disorders

If you or someone close to

Treatment for these disorders

you is suffering from an

is not only possible but

eating disorder, please call

extremely important.

the National Eating

Treatment should be tailored

Disorders Association

to the individual in order to

confidential help line at 1-

meet their needs. The most

800-931-2237

common and effective

Eating Disorder Statistics 

5-15% of people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are male

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25% of college-aged women engage in binging and purging to manage their weight

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The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death for females between the ages of 15 and 24 years old.

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Over 50% of teenage girls and over 33% of teenage boys itted to skipping meals, fasting, vomiting, and taking laxatives

treatment include a For those who are struggling, it’s important to that the behaviors you are partaking in now are damaging your body forever. It is crucial that you get help as soon as possible.

combination of psychotherapy or group therapy and special attention to nutritional and medical needs of the patient. Some antidepressants, such as Zoloft, have also been proved to assist in treatment.

"This is a call to arms. A call to be gentle, to be forgiving, to be generous with yourself.”- Oprah Winfrey