• Login
  • Contact
  • COVID-19
  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
MedcorMedcorMedcorMedcor
  • About
    • Medcor Health Navigation
    • Leadership
    • Wellness
    • Mission, Vision and Values
  • Services
    • Clinics
    • Telehealth
    • Safety
    • Health Security
  • Resources
    • Health Tips
    • Insights
    • Technology
  • Careers
    • Culture
    • Equal Employment and Diversity

Eating Disorders

    Home Health Tips Eating Disorders
    NextPrevious
    Eating Disorders

    Eating Disorders

    By Mayuri Bhakta, FNP-BC, Director of Clinical Affairs | Health Tips | Comments are Closed | 9 September, 2020 | 0

    Eating disorders affect people of all walks of life. According to national surveys, about 20 million women and 10 million men will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Eating disorders are serious; if unrecognized and untreated, eating disorders can cause severe health problems and even death. While there are many types of eating disorders, the three most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Let’s look at their common features as well as their important distinctions.

    What are Risk Factors for Developing an Eating Disorder?

    • Family history of eating disorder
    • Family history of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or addiction
    • Personality traits such as perfectionism (anorexia) or impulsivity (bulimia)
    • Low self-esteem
    • History of strict dieting and focus on weight loss
    • Weight stigma and/or teasing or bullying about weight
    • Limited social support
    • History of trauma from abuse, rape, or death of a loved one
    • Depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse

    What is Anorexia Nervosa?

    Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which a person has an abnormal body image and fear of weight gain. People who suffer from anorexia severely limit their food intake to prevent weight gain. This “self-starvation” can cause people to be deprived of the nutrients the body needs to function.

    Signs and symptoms of anorexia include:

    • Weight loss
    • Feeling cold
    • Obsession with food, weight, dieting and calorie-counting
    • Cutting out whole food groups
    • Lack of hunger
    • Constipation or reflux
    • Lack of energy
    • Headaches
    • Lack of concentration
    • Significant fear of becoming “fat”
    • Loss of menstrual cycles
    • Dizziness or fainting
    • Dry skin and nails and thinning, dry, brittle hair
    • Fine hair on the body
    • Poor immune system function
    • Low blood pressure and heart rate
    • Abnormal lab findings such as anemia, low thyroid levels, low blood counts, and abnormal electrolytes
    • Cavities or abnormal teeth

    What is Bulimia Nervosa?

    Bulimia nervosa is also a potentially life-threatening disorder; it is characterized by binge eating and purging episodes. People may eat unusually large amounts of foods and then purge by vomiting, taking laxatives, fasting, exercising excessively, or combining one or more of these behaviors. People who are bulimic may be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

    Signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

    • Recurrent episodes of binge eating
    • Eating large amounts of food in a two-hour period which is more than most people would eat in that timeframe
    • Lack of control of eating during a binging episode
    • Recurrent purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, taking laxatives, fasting, taking diuretics, or exercising excessively
    • Disappearing after meals, usually to the restroom
    • Episodes of this behavior occurs once a week for at least three months
    • Shows real concern about body weight and shape
    • Discolored or stained teeth, from vomiting
    • Excessive use of mouthwash or mints
    • Developing food rituals such as chewing too much, not allowing foods to touch, eating only certain food groups
    • Development of calluses to the backs of the hands and knuckles from vomiting
    • Fluctuations in weight
    • Difficulties concentrating
    • Dry skin, hair, and nails
    • Poor immune system function

    What is a Binge Eating Disorder?

    Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It occurs when someone repeatedly eats large quantities of food. They may feel a loss of control while eating and may experience shame or guilt after binging. People with binge eating disorders do not purge. Binge eating is potentially life-threatening.

    Signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder include:

    • Eating large amounts of food in a two-hour period which is more than most people would eat in that timeframe
    • Loss of control while binge eating
    • Eating faster than normal
    • Eating until uncomfortable
    • Eating alone
    • Eating large amounts of food when not hungry
    • Feelings of disgust, guilt, or depression after binging
    • Binge eating episodes occurring at least once a week for three months
    • New practices with food such as cutting out food groups or fad dieting
    • Fear of eating in public or around others
    • Concern about body weight and shape
    • Changes in weight
    • Low self-esteem
    • Developing food rituals such as chewing too much, not allowing foods to touch, eating only certain food groups
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Clinical obesity

    What Kind of Health Problems Can Result from Eating Disorders?

    Eating disorders can cause life-threatening conditions. They can affect every organ system in the body.

    Effects on the heart:

    • If you are not eating enough calories, your body can begin to break down its own tissue as an energy source. This can lead to low heart rate and blood pressure and can increase the risk for heart failure.
    • Vomiting and diarrhea from using laxatives can result in the loss of electrolytes. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and possible strokes or heart attacks.

    Effects on the gastrointestinal system:

    • Digestion issues including slowed digestion, stomach pain and bloating, nausea and vomiting, and constipation can occur from food restriction and vomiting.
    • Blockage of the intestines can result in infections or perforations and rupture.
    • Lack of caloric intake and purging can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
    • Binge eating can cause life-threatening stomach rupture.
    • Vomiting can also cause sore throat and swelling to the salivary glands and jaw. It can also lead to wearing down of the esophagus and rupture of the esophagus.

    Effects on the brain and nervous system:

    • Lack of nutrients can decrease the energy the brain needs, resulting in problems with concentration.
    • Difficulty with falling and staying asleep can occur with hunger and being very full.
    • Lack of fat intake can cause numbness and tingling in the feet and hands.
    • Low electrolytes from self-starvation or purging can lead to muscle cramps or seizures.
    • Headaches, fainting, and dizziness can occur when the brain is not getting enough blood flow.

    Effects on the endocrine system:

    • Low hormone levels such as thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone can occur because the body may not be getting enough fat and cholesterol to make these hormones.
    • Irregular menstrual cycles or loss of menstrual cycles can occur due to changes in hormone production.
    • Decreased bone loss can occur because of low estrogen and testosterone levels.
    • The body’s metabolism will decrease in order to save energy.
    • Binge eating can cause insulin resistance and increase the risk of diabetes.

    Other effects on the body:

    • Skin can become dry and brittle from the loss of nutrients, fat, and proteins.
    • Fine body hair, called lanugo, can form to help conserve warmth during starvation.
    • Severe and recurrent dehydration can lead to kidney failure.
    • Malnutrition can also lead to decreased white and red blood cells.

    Treatments and Therapies

    It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of an eating disorder and to get help soon. Complete recovery is possible, but the longer a person has an eating disorder, the harder it is to break away from it and the more health risks they face. In addition to the severe medical complications mentioned above, people with eating disorders, especially anorexia, are at high risk for death by suicide. Treatment plans vary from person to person but usually consist of medical care and monitoring, medications, nutrition counseling, and psychotherapy. Treatment with a mental health professional is necessary and may be required long-term as interpersonal issues may contribute to eating disorders. Mental health professionals may ask that family members or significant others be involved in the therapy to help with treatment success.

    This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or to give medical advice. Always consult your primary care provider for healthcare instructions. External links are provided as references and do not indicate an endorsement by Medcor. External links are subject to other sites’ terms of use and privacy policies.

    References

    American Psychological Association, “Eating Disorders.”

    National Eating Disorders Association, “Anorexia Nervosa.”

    National Eating Disorders Association, “Binge Eating Disorder.” 

    National Eating Disorders Association, “Bulimia Nervosa.”

    National Eating Disorders Association, “Common Health Consequences of Eating Disorders.”

    National Eating Disorders Association, “Risk Factors.”

    National Eating Disorders Association, “Warning Signs and Symptoms.” 

    Authored by: Mayuri Bhakta

    Share
    anorexia, anorexia nervosa, binge eating, bulimia, bulimia nervosa, eating disorders, fat, weight loss

    Mayuri Bhakta, FNP-BC, Director of Clinical Affairs

    More posts by Mayuri Bhakta, FNP-BC, Director of Clinical Affairs

    Related Post

    • The Dangers of Concrete Burns

      The Dangers of Concrete Burns

      By Thomas Eiseman | Comments are Closed

      Dr. Thomas Eiseman from Clinical Affairs talks with Christian “Crash” Neubauer, a Clinic Manager about the dangers of concrete burns experienced by construction workers.

      Share

    • Does Your Company Use Ladders Last?

      Use Ladders Last!

      By Danielle Olipra | Comments are Closed

      The “Ladders Last” program is a program built to prevent falls and save lives by reducing the use of ladders overall, and education on ladder safety for when you do need a ladder.

      Share

    • Decompression Sickness

      Decompression Sickness

      By Kristen Tekin, PA-C, Medcor Provider | Comments are Closed

      Decompression sickness (DCS) can occur anytime someone transitions too suddenly from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.

      Share

    • June is National Safety Month

      June is National Safety Month

      By Danielle Olipra | Comments are Closed

      June is National Safety Month, and Medcor is thinking about all the hard workers we support with safety services. Read about National Safety Month, learn about workplace injuries, and see how you can make a difference and stay safe at work.

      Share

    • Mindfulness and Meditation for Mental Health

      Mindfulness and Meditation for Mental Health

      By Danielle Olipra | Comments are Closed

      Mindfulness and meditation are two practices that anyone can use to improve their mood and outlook.

      Share

    NextPrevious

    Health Tip Updates

    Recent Posts

    • The Dangers of Concrete Burns
    • Use Ladders Last!
    • Decompression Sickness
    • June is National Safety Month
    • Mindfulness and Meditation for Mental Health
    Medcor
    Medcor provides health navigation through integrated services that include onsite and mobile clinics, injury triage, telemedicine, and safety staffing and training. Medcor helps employers and their employees navigate the complexities of healthcare to achieve better physical and financial outcomes across the United States and Canada.

    Recent Health Tips

    • The Dangers of Concrete BurnsThe Dangers of Concrete Burns
      June 23, 2022
    • Does Your Company Use Ladders Last?Use Ladders Last!
      June 15, 2022
    • Decompression SicknessDecompression Sickness
      June 8, 2022

    Insights

    • Zero ToleranceZero Tolerance: A Failed Paradigm
      February 24, 2022
    • Work-from-Home Ergonomic Considerations for EmployersWork-from-Home Ergonomic Considerations for Employers
      November 9, 2021
    • EXECUTIVE PHYSICIAN CONSULTING SERVICESHealthier Business: Executive Physician Consulting Services
      September 8, 2021

    Contact Us

    HQ Location
    4805 Prime Parkway
    McHenry, IL 60050

    Postal Address
    P.O. Box 550
    McHenry, IL 60051

    Call

    HQ: (815) 363-9500
    Sales: (888) 295-5180
    Media: (815) 759-5442

    Email

    Sales: sales@medcorhealth.com
    Job Inquiry: recruiters@medcorhealth.com
    Media: media@medcorhealth.com
    Website Manager: websupport@medcorhealth.com
    Copyright©2022 Medcor, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Legal Notices: Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, Terms of Use & Privacy | English Spanish. Healthcare Privacy Policy | EnglishSpanish
    • About
      • Medcor Health Navigation
      • Leadership
      • Wellness
        • Eat Real Food
        • Get Your Sleep
        • Handle Your Hygiene
        • Mind Your Happiness
      • Mission, Vision and Values
    • Services
      • Clinics
      • Telehealth
      • Safety
      • Health Security
    • Resources
      • Health Tips
      • Insights
      • Technology
    • Contact
      • Existing Customer Services
      • General Information
      • Job Inquiries
      • Media & Public Relations
    • Careers
      • Culture
      • Equal Employment and Diversity
      • Interview and Hiring Process FAQs
      • Apply
    • COVID-19
    Medcor