Eating disorders are usually characterized by a preoccupation with food and weight, and a distorted self image. In actuality, eating disorders are the symptoms, not the cause, of the individual’s difficulties. Eating disorders can result in serious, life threatening conditions, and account for an alarming rate of mortality in women.

There is help available for those individuals who want to stop this self destructive cycle. Understanding and recognizing the symptoms is often the first step toward recovery. The following information is provided to describe the signs and symptoms of three distinct forms of eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

• Refusal to maintain normal body weight
• Weight is 85% or less than normal
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image
• At least three consecutive skipped periods
• Refusal to acknowledge risks to health
• Purging behaviours such as induced vomiting, use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics

Bulimia Nervosa

• Recurring binge eating episodes
• Eating frequently and in unusually large amounts
• A perceived lack of control over eating habits during these periods
• Frequent purging activities including induced vomiting, use of laxatives, enemas or diuretics
• The binging and purging episodes occur at least twice a week
• Preoccupation with body shape and weight

Binge Eating Disorder

• Frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food   
• Feeling a lack of control over how much is eaten
• Usually eating quickly
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating large quantities of food even when not hungry
• Often eating alone to avoid embarrassment
• Feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after overeating