My daughter thinks she is overweight and is dieting. How do I know if she has an eating disorder?

Anyone can develop an eating disorder. Most people with eating disorders are adolescent girls and young women. We all worry about how we look, what we eat, size and weight. For most people, this is normal. Others develop more severe, life-threatening problems known as eating disorders which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. Eating abnormal amounts of food, unusual eating patterns and unrealistic concerns about self-image are common.

People with anorexia nervosa typically restrict their food intake to get very thin, experiencing drastic weight loss and malnutrition. They have a distorted body image and a fear of gaining weight.

People with bulimia nervosa frequently eat very large amounts of food over a short time (binging). A person suffering from this disorder vomits, exercises to extreme, or uses laxatives and/or diuretics (purging).

People with binge eating disorder eat very large amounts of food frequently and over a long period of time. Bingers feel out of control and experience feelings of guilt and depression.

Eating disorders are complex and have more than one cause. Personal life experiences, family issues, cultural beliefs, state of mind, and biological makeup all have an impact. Eating disorders are expressions of negative self-image.

Eating disorders affect health in many ways. They are serious and disrupt ability to enjoy and function in everyday life. If left untreated, eating disorders are very harmful to your health and can even cause death. Social and psychological impacts include isolation, depression, low self esteem, loss of social relationships, and trouble communicating. There are early signs of eating disorders such as a preoccupation with weight (feeling fat when weight is normal or low), excessive calorie counting, weighing, and exercising, social withdrawal, inability to concentrate, and over-sensitivity to criticism.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible but not easy. A multi-disciplinary approach is important. Medical and nutritional therapies, counseling (individual, group, and family), and the development of support networks are important components of treatment. The goal is to regain physical and mental health and return to normal body weight. Developing healthy eating patterns, coping skills and stress management techniques are essential. The final goal of treatment is to restore self esteem.

For more information about eating disorders, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).