There are two types of eating disorders:

ANOREXIA NERVOSA 
A person who is anorexic would show these symptoms:

• A disturbed way of looking at body shape.

• An intense fear of gaining weight

• Have a low body weight

• Loss of their period

BULIMIA NERVOSA
A person who is bulimic would show these symptoms:

• Use of vomiting to control weight

• Recurrent binge eating

• Use of exercise to control weight

Some startling facts about eating disorders:

• It’s the third most chronic illness among females.

• Peak age of starting an eating disorder is 14 – 18 years old.

• It may cause complications including osteoporosis (thin bones), brain decreasing in size, dental problems, bleeding from esophagus or stomach, hair loss, sleep problems, constipation, mood changes, including irritability and even DEATH.

• An eating disorder can start out innocently with “cutting back” on junk food, or starting a “no meat” diet, etc.

WARNING SIGNS THAT YOU OR A FRIEND MAY HAVE AN EATING DISORDER:

• Being overly concerned with weight and shape (especially thinking you are fat when quite thin)

• Obsessed with food, fat and counting calories.

• Eating mainly diet foods.

• Skipping meals.

• Moody or irritable more than usual.

• Depressed.

• Guilt or shame when eating.

• Socially withdrawn – not wasting to be with friends.

• Any purging or vomiting.

• Excessive exercising.

• Bingeing on large amounts of food in secret.

• Noticeable loss or gain of weight.

• Irregular or loss of periods.

If you or a friend are showing any of the above warning signs or you think you have a problem, GET HELP! You can call the Teen Health Centre at 253-8481 or BANA (Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association) 969-2112.

For help with eating disorders contact 
the Teen Health Centre at (519) 253-8481
and ask to speak to a counsellor