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Articles - Eating Disorders
OAK LEAVES FAMILY SERVICE
COLUMN - JUNE, 1998
My daughter's best friend seems to be getting
thinner and thinner. My daughter says her friend exercises constantly yet
still continually talks about how "fat" she is. We've heard a lot about
eating disorders in young girls, should we be concerned?
You're right, it seems as if eating disorders have become a hot media topic.
But the truth is eating disorders are a serious problem. Current estimates
show that from five to 10 percent of adolescent girls and young women in
today's society have an eating disorder, either anorexia nervosa or bulimia
nervosa.
More than five million Americans suffer
from eating disorders:
- Fifteen percent of young women have substantially disordered
eating attitudes and behaviors.
- An estimated 1,000 women die each year of anorexia nervosa.
- To learn more about eating disorders, check out these resources:
- The American Anorexia/Bulimia Assn., Inc., (212) 575-6200
- National Assn. of Anorexia and Associated Disorders, (847) 831-3438
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Anorexia is characterized by a refusal to eat which leads to extreme weight
loss. So afraid of gaining weight, anorexics will stop at nothing to stay
thin. Unfortunately, they are unable to perceive themselves as slim and
will continue to lose weight, often to dangerous levels of emaciation.
Individuals with bulimia are also obsessed with food and weight. While an
anorexic will severely reduce eating, bulimics often binge eat -- consuming
quantities of food quickly and then purging themselves to avoid gaining
weight. This may involve vomiting, using laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Despite the effort, bulimics are usually average weight, or slightly overweight.
Anorexia and bulimia usually begin in adolescence and affect females 20
times more frequently than men. Most theories link their onset to a combination
of biological, psychological and social factors. Genetics may predispose
a person to an eating disorder and chemical changes caused by self-starvation
or vomiting may induce feelings of depression or euphoria.
People with eating disorders are often perfectionists and place high expectations
on themselves in every area of their lives. Many have lowered self-esteem,
rigid thinking and express feelings of no control over their lives or environments.
Many are in the midst of a painful struggle for self-identity, and a significant
number of anorexics and bulimics have had traumatic sexual experiences.
"Our society's excessive emphasis on thinness certainly plays a part in
the explosion of eating disorders in this country," says Stacy Gottlieb,
MSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Family Service & Mental Health
Center of Oak Park & River Forest. "Young girls are constantly bombarded
with the message that thinness equates popularity and success."
Unfortunately, this message can cause serious complications for those whose
focus on losing weight leads them to an eating disorder. Bulimia can cause
a host of physical problems including erosion of tooth enamel, tearing of
the esophagus, gastrointestinal problems, ulcers and anemia. Anorexics who
go untreated may suffer from cardiac abnormalities, anemia, gastrointestinal
problems, cessation of menstruation, yellowing skin, excessive body hair,
hypothermia and dehydration. Severe cases have resulted in death.
"While it can be difficult to tell whether someone is simply very weight
conscious or is actually suffering from an eating disorder, there are certain
warning signs that should be heeded," says Gottlieb. Watch for extreme weight
loss; excessive exercising; a preoccupation with food, weight or calories;
as well as skipping meals, eating in secret, frequent binges or ritualistic
eating habits. Disappearing after a meal, suspected vomiting or use of laxatives
or diuretics may also signal an eating disorder. Other behaviors may include
withdrawal from friends or activities, mood swings and rigid, inflexible
routines, says Gottlieb.
If you suspect someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder it's
critical that you reach out to them. Tell them the behaviors you've noticed
and what you suspect. Expect denial and a lack of interest in getting help
for fear of getting "fat." Understand that you can't solve their problem
but you can help them get the professional assistance they need.
The severity of the eating disorder will direct the proper treatment. Self-help
groups, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy or hospitalization
may be recommended. A combination of behavioral strategies, psychotherapy
and medication is frequently used in treating people with eating disorders.
Located at 120 S. Marion, Oak Park, Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest is a not-for-profit social service and mental
health agency that provides counseling, psychiatric and prevention/education
programs to men, women, youth and families. To learn more about our programs
or to make an appointment, contact us at (708) 383-7500.
  
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