Eating disorders are severely disordered eating and weight loss behaviours. People who suffer from eating disorders often overemphasize the importance of their size and shape in relation to their sense of self-worth.
Any eating disorder can become a serious medical and mental health problem. Without appropriate treatment, they can lead to significant emotional difficulties, medical complications and even death.
Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, ethnic groups and economic levels.
Types of eating disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder in which the individual is severely underweight due to excessive dieting, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their own body size.
- Bulimia Nervosa is defined by repeated episodes of uncontrolled binge eating, followed by compensatory weight loss behaviours (e.g. induced vomiting, laxative abuse, excessive exercise).
- Other specified/unspecified feeding or eating disorders include problems with eating that do not meet specific criteria for other diagnoses (e.g. purging behaviour without engaging in bingeing behaviour).
- Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in an uncontrolled manor.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional or energy needs. This is commonly due to a lack of interest in eating, the sensory characteristics of food (e.g. texture) or concerns about possible negative consequences of eating (e.g. choking).
Warning signs
Warning signs of eating disorders may include:
- intense fear of weight gain or becoming “fat,” despite weight loss or being underweight
- excessive efforts to restrict daily food intake
- fasting for long periods
- rigid calorie counting and refusal to eat “fattening” foods
- self-worth predominantly defined by weight and shape
- repeated episodes of uncontrollable and secretive binge eating
- self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse
- misuse of medications such as insulin or excessive exercise for weight loss purposes
If you suspect that you or your child may have an eating disorder, please contact us at 905-494-2120 ext. 56709.
