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Eating Disorders

Brief descriptions of eating disorders. Disorders include:

Anorexia Nervosa: Significant weight loss due to an intentional attempt to stop eating.

Symptoms include:

• Weight loss, sometimes achieved by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, use of diuretics or exercise.
• Refusal to maintain normal body weight, sometimes maintaining a weight 15% or more below normal body weight.
• Intense fear of gaining weight and negatively altered body image.
• In females, menstrual changes or the absence of menstruation.
• Anxious or ritualistic behavior at mealtimes.
• Fatigue/depression/lightheadedness
• Irregular heart rate
• Mild anemia, brittle nails and hair

Bulimia Nervosa: A secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food--more than most would eat in one meal--in short periods of time, then getting rid of the food and calories through self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising. People with bulimia are most often within 10 lbs of normal weight, but may also appear under-weight.

Symptoms include:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
• Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior.
• Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack.
• Following a binge with efforts to prevent weight gain--such as self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or other medications, fasting or excessive exercise.
• Unhealthy focus on your body shape and weight.
• Dehydration/fatigue/
  weakness/depression/
  irritability.
• Dry, sometimes yellowed skin.
• Damaged teeth and gums from gastric acid contained in vomit.
• Swollen cheeks from regular vomiting.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Compulsive Overeating: Periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge. People who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression and/or loneliness, which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary.

Symptoms include:

• Recurrent--at least two a week--episodes of compulsive overeating not followed by purging.
• No control over eating behavior, feelings of shame or guilt.
• Fatigue/joint pain/Gallbladder disease.
• Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

As with all conditions, you don't have to meet these specific symptoms to be considered to have an eating disorder and to need help.

Excessive Exercising: Obsession with exercise to compensate for food intake.

Symptoms include:

• Exercising to get rid of body fat, cellulite, and pounds that goes beyond 'healthy' exercising by taking over life.
• Working out several times a day.
• Beginning to plan your day around this rigid exercise regime.
• Spending more time exercising than with friends.
• May include disordered eating.

Warning signs include:

• Low body weight
• Tired and weak
• Frequent injuries and stress fractures

Health Consequences:

• Dehydration
• Stress fracture and osteoporosis
• Degenerative arthritis
• Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle) and reproductive problems
• Heart problems

A Friend in Need

What to do if you think your friend may have a problem

Positive Focus

• Learn about eating disorders at www.NationalEatingDisorders.org and resources available at Rice. Your understanding about eating disorders will help you to sympathize with your friend and gain an insight into this complex illness.
• Express concern. Think about what you want to say, try to keep the focus away from food, weight and appearance. don't assume you know what she is thinking, feeling or struggling with. Many people with eating disorders have low self-confidence so let your friend know that you are there for them.
• Timing and Encouragement. Encourage your friend to seek profession help, but ensure that you have plenty of time. Initially, your approach may be brief. Leave your door open to talk at another time if necessary.
• Be Patient and Be There. Be prepared for your friend to get angry or to underemphasize the problem. It is very difficult for people to come to terms with their problems, and giving up eating disorder behaviors may be very scary for them. Acceptance and recovery will take time.
• Steer Clear of the Negative. Recognize the importance of your role within the professional treatment process, as a supportive friend. It is important in your role to allow a professional to give advice, and for you to be incredibly supportive and attentive.
• It's not just a food thing-The reasons people develop eating disorders are complex. When your friend is ready to talk, listen without criticism or judgment. Be supportive, trustworthy and keep all conversations in confidence.

Every effort should be made to get appropriate help and support. If you are reading this and you are concerned about your own behavior, get help at the Rice Counseling Center!

The good news is that help is at hand. A combination of medical (Health Services), psychological (RCC) and nutritional (WC) counseling is available at Rice.

Helpful Resources:

• Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Inc.
• www.SomethingFishy.org
• National Eating Disorders
• Hugs
• Pale Reflections

Recommended Reading:

Bruch, H. (1979). The Golden Cage: The enigma of anorexia nervosa. New York: Vintage Books
Chernin, K. (1986). The Hungry Self. New York: Harper & Row
Hall, L. & Cohn, L. (1992). Bulimia: A guide to recovery. Santa Barbara, CA: Gurse Books
McFarland, B. & Baker-Baumann, T. (1988). Feeding the empty heart: Adult children and compulsive eating. San Francisco: Harper & Row
Rodin, J. (1992). Body Traps: Breaking the binds that keep you from feeling good about your body. New York: William Morrow
Seigel, M., Brisman, J., Weinshel, M. (1991). Surviving an eating disorder: Strategies for families and friends. New York: Harper & Row

LOVE YOUR BODY MONOLOGUES

Many Rice students love the bodies they live in and they are excited to share their positive body image with others. The Love Your Body Monologues event celebrates every size, shape and color. Students who attend say: "I love my body because...

• "It's fuzzy"
• "It's followed me everywhere I've wanted to go"
• "I couldn't sing without it"
• "It's totally unique"

* For more information see the Love Your Body Monologues website.