Did you know that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate out of any mental health illness here in the U.S.?
According to the ANAD (Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders), “every sixty-two minutes at least one person dies as a direct result from an eating disorder”.
Whether or not you have disordered eating, it is important for everyone to learn about, and understand. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, so I thought this would be a fitting time to shed some light on this mental illness. If you can recognize signs of disordered eating, you may be able to help a friend, family member, coworker, or yourself.
If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, you can visit the ANAD website to find some suggestions on things that you should and shouldn’t do. For example, some things that you should do are: being gentle, but firm, remembering that eating disorders are not about the food, being patient, and trying to make yourself available to this person. Here are some things you should try to avoid doing: trying to be a therapist, being taken in by lies and excuses, ignoring the problem, or pretending it will go away.
The most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Binge-Eating Disorder. I will explain how to distinguish them from one another, but there are other types as well. Some other eating disorders are Pica, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. But there are many others.
Common Eating Disorders
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
This is an emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to control weight by refusing to eat.
What is Bulimia?
This one is like Anorexia in that it is characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight, but in this case large amounts of food are eaten and then followed by depression and purging, fasting, or vomiting.
What is Binge-Eating Disorder?
This disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short amount of time.
Resources and Upcoming Events
If you think you or someone you know might have an eating disorder, there are several resources that could help you or them get the help they/you need. Lafene Health Center has a dietitian who provides eating-disorder screening. Visit https://www.k-state.edu/lafene/services/nutrition/index.html to get more information on the services provided at Lafene.
This Wednesday (today) is Wellness Wednesday at Kramer Dining Center from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. This even is hosted by the Wellness Coalition, and they will be addressing eating disorders. Another thing to look out for this week at the rec are post-it-notes that are on the mirrors to promote body positivity. Please check them out when you come to group fitness classes!
Hopefully having this information will help remind you to be more aware and sensitive about eating disorders, and help you and those you know to seek help if they need it. Wishing you happiness and health this week!
