Eating disorders can have complications

Feb. 4-10 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The following information was obtained from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Anorexia and bulimia can have serious medical and psychological complications, including noticeable weight loss (with distorted body image), hyperactivity, loss of hair on head and/or growth of fine body hair, excessive constipation, menstrual irregularities, and swollen glands.
Tooth loss/decay, severe dehydration, risk of heart irregularities, inconspicuous binge eating (feelings of shame and guilt), and premature death are other possible complications.
The cause of anorexia and bulimia is unknown. In fact, many factors may act together to cause someone to develop an eating disorder.
Women with eating disorders struggle with a fear of weight gain, excessive concern about body shape and calories, feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem, depression, pressure to achieve for others and not for self, and early puberty.
The most common age of onset is between 14 and 25, and the ratio of women to men affected by eating disorders is nine to one.
Studies indicate about one-two percent of women in this age group have anorexia and three-five percent have bulimia.
Living with anorexia or bulimia can be a devastating experience. Denial of problems, and thinking and feeling that “nothing is wrong,” often is part of having an eating disorder.
People may turn their attention to their weight and body shape because they have no control in some other aspect of their lives. The disorder can literally control the individual’s life.
It takes courage to admit you have an eating disorder and seek help, but eating disorders can be overcome.
What are the treatments?
Research has indicated the earlier appropriate intervention occurs, the more likely the eating disorder will be successfully overcome.
The best approach is a combination of medical treatment and psychotherapy, including counseling for the family.
Finding a knowledgeable person you feel comfortable with and can trust is very important. Participation in a local support group also may help.
Just remember you are not alone. You may want to contact your family physician or your local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre has a telephone information line (1-416-340-4156), a national register of private therapists and medical programs, and informative materials on eating disorders, including a bi-monthly newsletter.
Local help also may be obtained from Riverside Community Counseling Services (274-4807).