WASHINGTON — Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness, and experts are concerned many people might not be paying proper attention.
“Half the issue is just to be aware of what eating disorders are and to learn about what to look for,” said Lucy Caldwell of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.
Feb. 26 through March 4 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Eating disorders often afflict teens and young adults, but Caldwell said anyone is susceptible: “They can occur to any age. Boys and girls, men and women.”
Common eating disorders can include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating. They typically include obsessions with body shape and weight, and obsessions with food.
Signs of anorexia nervosa can include:
- Extreme thinness
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Distorted body image
Many of the people who die from anorexia succumb to complications related to starvation. Some die from suicide.
Signs of bulimia nervosa include:
- Chronic sore throat
- Worn tooth enamel
- Swollen cheeks or jaw area
Many people with bulimia appear to have a healthy or relatively normal weight. They tend to follow episodes of overeating with forced vomiting, or excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or extreme amounts of exercise.
And signs of binge-eating disorder can include:
- Eating secretly
- Eating when you’re full or not hungry
- Feeling ashamed or guilty about eating
Caldwell suggested this online questionnaire on eating habits is an easy way to determine whether professional help might be needed. Find more resources on the National Eating Disorders Association’s website.
