• Over 85% of people with eating disorders report they began by the end of adolescence.
• Statistically, the death rate of people with eating disorders is between 10 – 25% with 2 – 5% of deaths resulting from suicide.
• The duration of an eating disorder can be anywhere from 1 – 15 years.
• Eating Disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
• The most effective and long-lasting treatment of an eating disorder is involvement with psychotherapy or counseling and particular focus on the medical and nutritional components.
• Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
• Binge Eating Disorder is a newly recognized eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of uncontrolled overeating or bingeing.
• Bulimia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a secretive cycle of bingeing and purging.

SOME INDICATORS OF EATING DISORDERS

• Drastic weight change, up or down
• Problems with skin, hair and/or nails
• Depression, including sadness, withdrawal and/or irritability
• Severe dieting or exercise
• Excessive focus on food
• Unusual eating behaviors
• Distorted body image
• Irregular or cessation of menses cycle
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Sensitive to cold weather

SOME DANGERS OF EATING DISORDERS

• Difficulty maintaining healthy weight over time
• Extreme depression
• Cessation of menstruation, loss of sexual interest, and infertility
• Bone problems - osteoporosis
• Tooth and gum problems
• Lesions (sores) in stomach or esophagus
• Other stomach and intestinal problems, including chronic constipation
• Inability to maintain relationships
• Chronic kidney problems
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Dry skin, thinning scalp hair, and/or growth of lanugo (fine hair on body surface)
• Lightheadedness and dizziness or fainting

RESOURCE PEOPLE - TREATMENT OF EATING DISORDERS IS A TEAM EFFORT!

• Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists
• Teachers
• Psychologists, Counselors
• Nurses
• Doctors
• Eating Disorder Treatment Programs
  

Contact us at by email

Phone: (952) 451-5663

or visit the Contact Page

Note: By reviewing this information you are agreeing that the information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or to be used for diagnosis or treatment. None of the information should be used as a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a qualified medical or mental health professional. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should immediately contact a physician or other health care professional in your area.