Many people, in our culture worry obsessively about changing the shape of their bodies. We are socialized to believe that the presence of fat on our bodies is an indication of weakness and that we can control our lives by controlling our bodies. Since body-esteem and self esteem are very closely linked, worries about body inadequacy can interfere with relationships and distort our sense of self.

Signs of Eating Disorders:

Anorexia:

• Unusual eating habits or refusal to eat normally;
• Excessive weight loss (25% of body weight);
• Extreme physical activity;
• Hair, nail, or skin problems;
• Depression and low self-esteem;
• Denial of the problem.

Bulimia:

• Purchase of large quantities of food;
• Abuse of laxatives or diuretics;
• Secretive behavior regarding eating habits;
• Weight fluctuations;
• Depression;
• Denial of the problem.

Compulsive Overeating (Binge Eating Disorder):

• Compulsively eating but no purging;
• Becoming overweight;
• Overeating continually throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts of food during binges.

People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one’s life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control.

Psychological Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life
• Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness

Interpersonal Factors that Can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

• Troubled family and personal relationships
• Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings
• History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight
• History of physical or sexual abuse

Social Factors that Can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

• Cultural pressures that glorify "thinness" and place value on obtaining the "perfect body"
• Narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes
• Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths

Other Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:

Scientists are still researching possible biochemical or biological causes of eating disorders. In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion have been found to be imbalanced. The exact meaning and implications of these imbalances remains under investigation.

If you feel you may be experiencing an Eating Disorder, Contact the Counseling Center at 515-2423 or come by the center to set up an initial appointment. Also, for a screening for Eating Disorders, see the Online Screening Section of our website.

Resources for Eating Disorders:

Anorexia in Women

Anorexia in Men

Bulimia in Women

Bulimia in Men

Binge Eating in Women

Binge Eating in Men

Body Image in Women

Body Image in Men

Other Useful Links:

National Eating Disorders Association

Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders

Eat Right (American Dietetic Association)

Is Food A Problem? (U Texas at Austin)

Eating Disorders Anonymous

Something Fishy (Dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to people with Eating Disorders, and their loved-ones)

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center

Healthy Body Image