signs of eating disorders
Statistically proven, eating disorders result in death for 10-25 percent of people with the illness. Moreover, 2-5 percent of those deaths are suicide related. Many people suffer from eating disorders, and you should know the signs of eating disorders to help your friends or family members who may possibly be suffering from one of the disorders.
Emotional problems
People who suffer from any eating disorder will typically exhibit emotional problems, including anxiety, fear, depression and any other negative emotions.
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Weight loss mostly applies to patients who suffer from anorexia and bulimia. Alternatively, weight gain applies to people who are binge eaters. However, people with eating disorders do not always have weight changes to reflect their disorder. In fact, many people with eating disorders appear to be average. Therefore, weight loss or gain does not always equal signs of eating disorders.
Erratic behavior
Erratic behavior is anything out of the ordinary. This may mean sneaking food, frequent trips to the bathroom, insomnia and other strange habits. Some people with eating disorders hide food in closets or drawers. Another erratic behavior is making self-depreciating comments after the patient eats food.
Change in physical appearance
Of course, this is referring to things other than weight loss or gain. Food gives us substance, essential vitamins and nutrients and other elements that keep us healthy. However, when you abuse food, your physical appearance will change as a result. For example, anorexic or bulimic patients may have dark circles under their eyes or yellow eyelids. They may also bruise easily, especially on their arms and legs.
These are signs of malnutrition, which may be a result of an eating disorder. If you notice physical appearance changes along with emotional and personality changes, you may want to talk to your loved one about their eating habits.
Change in general health
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and increased heart rate are signs of over eating, especially unhealthy foods. If your loved one does not visit the doctor frequently, you may be able to tell if he or she suffers from these conditions by their physical endurance. If they get dizzy often, or can’t walk certain distances, they may be suffering from one of these conditions.
Moreover, patients with this type of eating disorder are not always obese. Therefore, do not base these conditions off of weight.
Who are we?
We are Harmony Grove, and we can help you or your loved one. Our staff is professionally trained to help patients with eating disorders overcome their illness. Many people with eating disorders can not overcome their condition without a professional’s help, or else they would have a long time ago.
While we work with many insurance companies, we are still the most affordable eating disorder treatment program in the country, and one of the best eating disorder treatment programs available. Please, if you, or anyone you know, have any of these signs of eating disorders, contact us today. It’s a free consultation that can change your, or your loved one’s, life.