The Mayo Clinic defines eating disorders as “a group of serious conditions in which you're so preoccupied with food and weight that you can often focus on little else”.  They can be overwhelming, exhausting and life depleting. The DSM-IV (a diagnostic manual used by health care professionals) lists three separate diagnoses for eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Other terms you may hear include Binge-Eating Disorder and Orthorexia.

There are a variety of unhealthy behaviors present in people with eating disorders. Typically no one person has each behavior, although some people switch from one eating disorder to another. We are concerned when people overeat repeatedly, eat too little, exercise more than is recommended or resort to other behaviors in an effort to compensate for what they've eaten. Some people limit what they eat or overeat and engage in other unhealthy behaviors to numb their feelings or as way of handling their thoughts and fears.

When people hide their behaviors, lie about what they have or haven't eaten or about how much they exercise, or find their lifestyle choices keep them from being emotionally available for those they care about, it is time to seek health care professionals who understand and are willing to treat individuals with eating disorders.

Below are several safe websites where you can gather more information about symptoms and treatment options available for people with eating disorders. (links open in a new window)

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center

http://www.edreferral.com/

National Eating Disorders Association

http://nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Binge Eating Disorder Association

http://www.bedaonline.com/