Eating disorders are complex psychological conditions with physical manifestations that can be life-threatening; self-imposed starvation, purging, and obesity. Individuals with eating disorders may exhibit extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight, body image and food. Left untreated eating disorders can lead to serious emotional and physical complications and even death, in both men and women. If treated early on, the severity of the disorder is lessened and recovery may be more rapid.
Disordered eating, while not a diagnosable eating disorder, is a more common and prevalent problem on campus. This can include any behavior, attitude or emotion about food, weight, body shape, and/or exercise that impedes your daily living and jeopardizes your health, happiness and safety. This could include a combination of signs/symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, and/or binge eating disorder.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA – characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss; feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss; extreme concern with body weight and shape and denial about the problem; extreme fear of gaining weight and losing control
BULIMIA NERVOSA – characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging; a sense of loss of control followed by guilt and shame
BINGE EATING DISORDER (or compulsive overeating) – periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full; feelings of shame or self-hatred are common after a binge; no purging of any kind with this disorder