Beachwood Buzz Magazine - September 2016 Page 12

12 Beachwood Buzz September 2016

Is It An Eating Disorder?

ating disorders are more common than many
people think. In the United States alone, millions

of individuals struggle with eating disorders,
including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder,
compulsive overeating or other specified feeding and
eating disorders (OSFED). Such problems with food
can have serious, even life-threatening consequences.

Signs and Symptoms

Eating disorders can be hard

to detect, especially when some-
one hides their struggle with
food. But missing the warning
signs could lead to negative
long-term effects on physical,
mental and emotional well-be-
ing. Be on the lookout for these
symptoms and behaviors:
· Rapid or persistent increase or

decrease in calorie intake

· Dramatic weight loss or gain
· Frequently talking about food,

weight or body image

· Purging, restricting, binge

eating or compulsive eating

· Abuse of diet pills, laxatives,

diuretics or emetics

· Hiding food or eating in secret
· Denial of symptoms
· Excessive or compulsive exercise
· Physical complications, such

as dizziness, fainting, bruising,
menstrual irregularity, leg

cramps, dry skin, brittle hair
and osteoporosis

Did You Know?
· Eating disorders don't dis-

criminate. Females and males
of all ages, backgrounds, and
ethnicities are at risk of devel-
oping the illness.

· Eating disorders occur for

many reasons. Often there
are biological, psychological,
emotional and social factors
behind the development of an
eating disorder.

· Eating disorders can be deadly.

Anorexia has the highest mor-
tality rate of any psychological
disorder.

· Eating disorders often occur

along with other illnesses or
trauma. Substance use disorder,
sexual abuse history, depres-
sion, anxiety disorder, morbid
obesity and post-traumatic

stress disorder often present
along with eating disorders.

· Eating disorders are prevalent

among men and boys. About
10 percent of people struggling
with eating disorders are male.
Just like women, many men
and boys feel insecure about
their bodies or are coping with
a distorted body image.

Treatment Options

So how can you treat an eat-

ing disorder? Treatment usually
includes some combination
of psychotherapy or counsel-
ing with careful attention to
nutrition and medical needs. But
eating disorders are as unique as
individual people. There isn't a
precise treatment "formula," and
care providers should work with
individuals to determine the

best course of action. If you think
you or someone you know might
have an eating disorder, seek out
a treatment center that provides
flexible, personalized support.

The Emily Program, which has

an outpatient location in Beach-
wood and residential facility in
Cleveland Heights, is nationally
recognized for its personalized,
compassionate approach to
eating-disorder treatment.The
Emily Program offers a range
of programs and services,
including individual therapy,
group therapy, family- and cou-
ple-based therapy, nutritional
evaluation and medical services.
For additional information on
eating disorders and treatment
options, call 1.888.EMILY.77
(1.888.364.5977) or visit www.
emilyprogram.com.

Images of Wellness, LLC

by Jane P Ehrman, M.Ed.

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Health &

Wellness

Jane P Ehrman, M.Ed.
Owner, Images of
Wellness, LLC