Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

It is always good to get constructive feedback from patients and their families. A parent of a patient recently let me know that more public information regarding the signs of potential eating disorders would be helpful. There are several different types of eating disorders and it is a complex topic. This is therefore not meant to be an exhaustive discussion of eating disorders but rather some general information regarding potential warning signs.

Eating disorders were previously felt to be mostly isolated to Caucasians in western countries but are now more prevalent in other regions and diverse ethnic groups. They are potentially life-threatening and are more likely to occur in women and girls. Certain personality traits such as perfectionism, anxiety, and behavioral inflexibility may increase one’s risk for developing an eating disorder.

Warning signs include:

·         Excessive dieting and exercise

·         Inducing vomiting after eating or taking laxatives. It may not be obvious that someone is making themselves vomit so be aware of this possibility if someone routinely heads to the bathroom right after eating.

·         Distorted body image – the assertion that one is overweight even when they are thin

·         Strictly counting calories

·         Obsession with food. Some people with eating disorders will spend a lot of time preparing food for others without eating it themselves.

·         Strictly limiting intake of foods or certain types of foods

·         Weight loss

·         Binge eating

·         Dental erosion from stomach acids from frequent vomiting

·         Loss of menstrual periods

Not everyone who exhibits one of these signs has an eating disorder. For example, some people would consider training for marathons to be “excessive exercise” and sometimes competitive athletes will stop menstruating during their season of play. But if you see any of these signs, it is worth noting and mentioning to your child’s physician.
Treatment can be difficult and involves both medical monitoring as well as addressing psychological factors. Treatment is also likely to be easier and more effective if the eating disorder is caught early so be proactive in mentioning concerns to your child’s doctor if you see any of the signs above.