Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3. Are there other eating disorders besides anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?
6. What influences body image?
7. What is the eating disorder athletic tri-ad?
10. What can I do as an educator or a coach?
11. What are the treatment options?
12. Where do I look for help for myself or someone I care about?
Anorexia is strictly defined as an illness which makes its victims take in so little food or exercise so much that he or she is less than 85% of the expected weight for his or her height and age. Anorexia is the mental and emotional denial of hunger or starvation. Continued starvation can lead to serious organ damage and even death.
Anorexia nervosa is one type of eating disorder. More importantly, it is also a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. A person with anorexia initially begins dieting to lose weight. Over time, the weight loss becomes a sign of mastery and control. The drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating often to a point close to starvation in order to feel a sense of control over the body. This cycle becomes an obsession, and is similar to any type of drug or substance addiction.
Some experts feel that demands from society and families could possibly be underlying causes for anorexia. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.
Some studies also suggest that a genetic (inherited) component may play a role in determining a person's susceptibility to anorexia. Researchers are currently attempting to identify the particular gene or genes that might affect a person's tendency to develop this disorder.
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2. What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation. Intentional purging to compensate for the excessive eating, usually to prevent weight gain, purging can take the form of vomiting, fasting, inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, diuritics or other medication, or excessive physical exercise. The cycle damages bodily organs. Bulimia is common especially among young women of normal or nearly normal weight.. The purging of bulimia presents a serious threat to the patient's physical health, including dehydration, hormonal imbalance, the depletion of important minerals and damage to vital organs.
Bulimia is a condition in which bouts of overeating are followed by undereating, use of laxatives, or self-induced vomiting. It is associated with depression and anxiety about putting on weight.
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3. Who gets eating disorders?
The old line of thought was that caucasian, middle and upper class teenage girls were the only people who could have eating disorders. This is not true!!!! In our study of literature and personal experience, we have found victims as young as 2 years old and as old as 85....all races, nationalities, sexes, and economic status. A teenager with anorexia nervosa is typically a perfectionist and high achiever in school.
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| Illness | Prevalence | Research Funds |
| Eating disorders: | 10 million | $12,000,000* |
| Alzheimer’s disease: | 4.5 million | $647,000,000 |
| Schizophrenia: | 2.2 million | $350,000,000 |
| * The reported research funds are for anorexia nervosa only. No estimated funding is reported for bulimia nervosa or eating disorders not otherwise specified. |
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5. What is Body Image?
Body image is the way you feel about your body's shape, height and weight. It's what you believe about your appearance. It's the image you create in your mind when you think of the way you look.
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6. What influences body image?
Media, parent's comments, how friends look, expectations for sports especially for males, and control issues.
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7. What is the eating disorder athletic tri-ad?
The tri-ad is the vicious cycle of excercising to maintain weight, starving to maintain weight, and finally purging due to excessive hunger.
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8. What can I do as a parent?
Be honest about what you are seeing. Educated yourself on the disease and the treatment options available. Remember that the way you feel about your body is a reflection of the way your child will feel about their body. Don't use food as a punishment or a reward. Develop support through support groups, church, friends and family members, remember you would not be ashamed if your loved one had a physical illness, eating disorders are a mental illness that can be treated.
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9. What can I do as a friend?
Know that you can't cause or cure an eating disorder, but you can contribute to the prevention and recovery. Listen and be honest about your specific concerns. Encourage professional help and don't promise to "keep the secret". It could cost your friend their life.
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10. What can I do as an educator or a coach?
Don't give advice about weight loss to enhance performance or attractiveness. Take warning signs seriously, there is a 10-15% mortality rate for those with eating disorders. Be honest about what you are seeing. Know the resources available in your school district, community and state. Don't be afraid to take what you know to higher authorities for support, intervention and resources.
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11. What are the treatment options?
A successful treatment program should address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. The patient, who is often initially reluctant, must be a willing participant in the treatment plan. Hospitalization, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are all viable treatment options. Family dynamics are a vital part of the recovery process for an eating disorder victim.
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12. Where do I look for help for myself or someone I care about?
Check with your family physician. Contact your local hospital for eating disorder programs that may be available through psychiatry or adolescent medicine departments. Contact student health services at local colleges. Contact an eating disorder hot line. Contact Lifelines or other web sites for referrals and support.
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Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is intended to provide either psychological or medical counsel. The educational material herein is provided as a public service and you are encouraged to speak with your own psychologist or physician about specific information in your unique situation.
