Anorexia nervosa is defined by emaciation of the person suffering, a distorted body image, strong fear of gaining weight and an unhealthy obsession with thinness. Even though the individual may be malnourished, the sufferer may still see herself as overweight. Individuals with anorexia may weigh themselves multiple times per day and eat only extremely small portions of food.

Other symptoms can include:

• Thinning of the bones
• Brittle hair and nails
  
• Dry or yellow skin
  
• A growth of fine hair all over the body
  
• Mild anemia
  
• Severe constipation
  
• Cessation of a menstrual cycle in women and girls
  
• Person feeling cold constantly
  
• Lethargy

Bulimia nervosa is another type of eating disorder that often starts with weight-loss dieting in a ‘pursuit for thinness’. An extreme urge to eat may be the result of the starvation reaction that is caused by food deprivation and insufficient nutrition. Once the person gives in to this urge, the desire to eat seems uncontrollable, with binges often being on foods with high fat and sugar content, followed by compensatory behaviors of vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, fasting or excessive exercise. Additional dieting often follows, often more strictly – leading to a frantic binge/purge/exercise cycle that becomes increasingly compulsive and uncontrollable as it progresses.

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, a person who is bulimic may maintain a “normal” weight, even though the person may have an intense obsession with weight, losing weight and their body shape.

Symptoms of bulimia can include:

• Consuming a large quantity of food
  
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating
  
• Sore throat
  
• Swollen glands in the neck
  
• Worn tooth enamel and decaying teeth
  
• Reflux disorder
  
• Kidney problems
  
• Feelings of shame for binging, purging and the secrecy involved

Binge eating is characterized by the overconsumption of food. Those suffering with binge eating disorders are often overweight or obese. They may feel guilt or shame about the binge-eating, which often leads to more food overconsumption. Men tend to be more represented among binge eaters.

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, other symptoms can include:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as a 2-hour period
• Eating even when you're full or not hungry
• Eating fast during binge episodes
• Eating until you're uncomfortably full
• Eating along or in secret to avoid embarrassment
• Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about your eating
• Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

According to the National Institute on Eating Disorders, body image is:

• How you see yourself in your mind’s eye or when you look in the mirror
  
• What you believe about your own appearance
  
• How you feel about your body
  
• How you sense and control your body
  
• How you feel in your body, not just about your body. Are you comfortable in your own skin?
  

The National Institute of Mental Health has identified many risk factors. Visit their page for more information if you believe you may be at risk.

You can also contact our psychological and counseling services to speak to one of the Wellness Center's trained professionals.