Recovery from Eating Disorders is Possible
Site Director at The Renfrew Center of Radnor.
Feb. 24 through March 1 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a national effort to make the public aware of the dangers and causes of eating disorders, their signs and symptoms and, what most individuals may not know, that recovery is possible.
In a culture obsessed with thinness, dieting and perfection, it can be difficult to recognize when a loved one – or even yourself – may be exhibiting thoughts or behaviors that have become high-risk, often leading to an eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious and potentially lifethreating illnesses that affect all ages, genders and races and, according to the National Association of Anorexia and Association Disorders (ANAD), about 30 million Americans of all ages and genders are suffering.
The number of women in midlife seeking treatment continues to rise and, according to ANAD, 13% of women over 50 experience disordered eating behaviors.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the most common types of eating disorders and their signs and symptoms. Recognizing an eating disorder, and seeking treatment early on, can save a life.
GUIDE TO DIFFERENT TYPES
At The Renfrew Center, the country’s first residential eating disorder treatment facility located in Philadelphia, we know there is never a single cause for the development of an eating disorder. Rather, it’s a perfect storm comprised of many factors. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia (clinically known as anorexia nervosa) is self-imposed starvation. Individuals with anorexia are often profoundly dissatisfied with their body image and usually express a strong desire to lose weight.
One of the key features of this disorder is denial. Although obsessed with food, individuals continually deny their hunger and do not recognize that they are physically and emotionally fragile.
Bulimia (clinically known as bulimia nervosa) is the repeated cycle of out-ofcontrol eating followed by some form of purging. The purging associated with bulimia may be self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, or obsessive exercising. Individuals with bulimia are preoccupied with their shape, weight and body image as a source of self-esteem.
Binge eating disorder (also known as compulsive overeating) is uncontrolled eating or bingeing followed by periods of guilt and depression. A binge is marked by the consumption of large amounts of food, sometimes accompanied by a pressured, “frenzied” feeling.
WARNING SIGNS
The following common warning signs may indicate someone may be suffering from an eating disorder. It’s important to remember that an individual may have symptoms of more than one of these diagnoses or may not show all the warning signs for a specific disease – but they may still need help.
Someone with anorexia may be thin and continue to be thinner, staying on a diet because she feels overweight due to a distorted body image. Excessively discussing food, cooking or dieting and allowing body image to be the primary factor to her self-worth, may also be evident. Thinning hair or hair loss often occurs.
Someone with bulimia may engage in binge eating, particularly as a reaction to stress and may feel her eating is out of control. Engaging in vomiting, laxative use or exercise and using the bathroom frequently after meals are also signs. A person’s weight does not signal they are suffering from bulimia, although they may experience frequent changes in weight.
An individual with binge eating disorder turns to food as a way of coping with feelings - eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry. They may eat to the point of feeling uncomfortably full, followed by feelings of shame, guilt or embarrassment.
WOMEN IN MIDLIFE
For most people, the word eating disorder evokes thoughts of a thin teenager or young adult. However, eating disorders affect people from all walks of life. The Renfrew Center has seen an increase in the number of women in their thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties seeking treatment for their eating disorder- often for the first time. Over the past decade, there has been a 42% increase in the number of women over the age of 35 who sought treatment at Renfrew.
Women in midlife face unique circumstances that may increase their vulnerability to developing an eating disorder. They may experience the same body dissatisfaction, body image distortions and fear of food that young women do, but these issues are often made more difficult to cope with when combined with the aging process. We live in a culture obsessed with thinness and youth, with constant media messages pressuring women of all ages, but particularly women in midlife, to alter their appearance or change themselves in some way to conform to that ideal.
Mid-life women also experience unique milestones and life events, like divorce, grief/loss, infidelity, postpartum changes, ‘emptynest syndrome,’ menopause or career changes. These women may find it more difficult to seek help when experiencing these stressors, due to feelings of guilt because they often must leave behind family members or jobs that rely heavily on their presence every day.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR LOVED ONE IS SUFFERING
Research shows the sooner an eating disorder is diagnosed and addressed, the more likely treatment will lead to sustained recovery. Don’t shy away from expressing your concerns with a loved one but do recognize that a trusting relationship will make this easier.
Curb your impulse to comment on weight or appearance; even alarmingly underweight people are sensitive to any talk about their weight or shape and this may derail your interaction. Express concerns about general well-being first and then name the behaviors that trouble you. For example: “I’ve noticed you don’t seem happy,” “I’m concerned something’s bothering you,” “You seem tired and distracted,” “I haven’t seen you eating much at mealtime,” “Are you having some problems eating?”
Remember, denial and shame accompany eating disorders, remain non-judgmental, avoid pressing too hard, leave the door open for future conversations, and continue to be aware of the loved one’s behavior at home or in social settings.
Eating disorders can be a matter of life or death. Knowing the signs and symptoms, providing early intervention and accessing appropriate treatment can give your loved one the opportunity to fully recover and lead a successful, eating disorder free life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder speak with your primary care physician or a treatment facility, such as The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia, PA or Radnor, PA.