Insight4Change

SPECIALIZING IN TREATING ADDICTION

  JoAnne Lapi-Nuccio LMHC, CAP

What are the warning signs?

• A marked increase or decrease in weight not related to a medical condition

• The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting, preference for strange foods, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, or secretive bingeing

• An intense preoccupation with weight and body image

• Compulsive or excessive exercising

• Self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or laxative, diet pills or diuretic abuse

• Feelings of isolation, depression, or irritability.
   

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by primarily self-starvation and excessive weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized primarily by a cycle of binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, in an attempt to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating.

Eating Disorder vs. Disordered Eating: What is the difference?

If individuals don’t fit the clinical description of an eating disorder, they may be wrapped up in disordered eating.  Disordered eating means that a person’s attitudes about food, weight and body size and shape may be causing them to have very strict eating and exercise habits that jeopardize their health, happiness and safety.

Disordered eating may begin as a way to lose a few pounds or get in shape, but these behaviors can quickly spiral out of control, can become obsessions and may even become a full-blown eating disorder.

-National Eating Disorder Association