Spur Counseling

Author: Miriam Iken Goodman, LICSW

  • Signs Your College Student Has an Eating Disorder: A Boston Therapist’s Guide

    Signs Your College Student Has an Eating Disorder: A Boston Therapist’s Guide

    Eating disorders are among the most serious and most missed mental health conditions affecting college students. They’re also among the most treatable — when caught early.

    The challenge is that many parents don’t recognize what they’re seeing. Eating disorders in college students are rarely dramatic in early stages. They look like discipline, health consciousness, or the normal changes that come with being away from home for the first time. By the time the signs are unmistakable, the disorder has often been entrenched for months.

    This guide is written for parents. It covers the warning signs that matter, the ones that are commonly misread, and what to do if you’re concerned.

    Why College Is Such a High-Risk Period

    Eating disorders don’t develop randomly. They develop in specific conditions — and college recreates many of them:

    New independence around food. For the first time, your student is making all their own food decisions without parental oversight. For someone with a predisposition toward disordered eating, this autonomy can accelerate patterns that were already quietly forming.

    Body comparison and social pressure. Dorm life, social media, Greek culture, and the general visibility of college social environments create intense body comparison pressure — particularly, but not exclusively, for women. The “freshman fifteen” narrative alone generates anxiety about weight gain that drives restriction in many students.

    Identity stress. College is a major identity transition. For students who are uncertain of who they are outside of achievement, appearance and body control can become organizing principles — a way of feeling competent when everything else feels uncertain.

    Stress and loss of coping mechanisms. The structure, routines, and relationships that helped a student manage stress at home are gone. Eating behavior — restriction, binging, purging — becomes a coping mechanism that provides a feeling of control.

    High-achieving students are not exempt. In fact, perfectionism and high achievement are risk factors. The same drive that produces academic excellence can produce rigidity around food, exercise, and body image that tips into disorder.

    The Warning Signs Parents Often Miss

    Changes in eating behavior that look like “healthy eating”

    One of the most important things to understand: early eating disorder behavior often looks virtuous. Cutting out “processed food.” Going vegan or gluten-free without a medical reason. Intermittent fasting. Meticulous attention to macros or calories. These can all be signs of disordered eating — especially when accompanied by anxiety around food, rigidity about rules, or distress when the rules are broken.

    Exercise that has become compulsive

    Exercise is another area where disordered behavior looks like health. Watch for: exercise that continues through illness or injury, extreme anxiety or guilt when a workout is missed, exercise that consistently takes priority over social events, academics, or sleep, and a significant increase in exercise volume that isn’t explained by a sport or fitness goal.

    Avoidance of food-related social situations

    Eating disorders thrive on isolation. If your student is consistently declining family meals, avoiding restaurants, making excuses to not eat at home during breaks, or showing anxiety when eating in front of others — pay attention.

    Physical signs

    • Significant weight loss or weight fluctuation
    • Feeling cold all the time (a sign of inadequate caloric intake)
    • Hair loss or thinning
    • Loss of menstrual periods
    • Fainting or dizziness
    • Swollen jaw or cheeks (a sign of purging)
    • Calluses on knuckles (a sign of purging)
    • Erosion of tooth enamel

    Behavioral and emotional signs

    • Increased preoccupation with food, weight, body, or appearance
    • Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
    • Disappearing to the bathroom after meals
    • Changes in mood that correlate with eating — anxiety before meals, guilt after, relief after restriction or purging
    • Denial that there’s a problem despite obvious concern from others
    • Withdrawal from friends and activities they used to enjoy

    Signs Specific to Different Types of Eating Disorders

    Anorexia nervosa

    Anorexia involves severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Physically: significant weight loss, loss of menstrual periods, feeling cold, fatigue. Behaviorally: food rituals (cutting food into tiny pieces, eating very slowly), denial of hunger, excessive exercise, avoidance of eating with others.

    Important: Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. It is a medical emergency at lower weights. If your student has lost significant weight and is showing other signs, do not wait.

    Bulimia nervosa

    Bulimia involves cycles of bingeing (eating large amounts rapidly) and purging (self-induced vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, fasting). Weight may appear normal or even high, which is why it’s often missed. Signs: frequent bathroom trips after meals, dental problems, swollen cheeks, unexplained food disappearance, and emotional patterns around eating (shame, secrecy, relief after purging).

    Binge eating disorder

    Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts rapidly, often in secret, with a sense of loss of control and significant shame — but without compensatory purging. It’s the most common eating disorder in the United States. Signs: eating past fullness regularly, eating in secret or hiding food, intense shame around eating, distress about eating behavior without meeting criteria for anorexia or bulimia.

    ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

    ARFID involves restriction based on the sensory properties of food, fear of aversive consequences (choking, vomiting, allergic reaction), or lack of interest in food — not driven by body image concerns. Less commonly discussed but significant in college populations, especially among students with anxiety or neurodevelopmental differences.

    What to Do If You’re Concerned

    Have the conversation — carefully

    Approach it from a place of concern, not accusation. “I’ve noticed you seem stressed around food lately, and I love you and want to make sure you’re okay” opens a very different door than “I think you have an eating disorder.” Lead with relationship, not diagnosis.

    Be prepared for denial. Denial is a core feature of eating disorders, not a sign that you’re wrong. A student who says “I’m fine, I’ve just been eating healthier” in response to signs of significant restriction is showing you a typical early-stage presentation.

    Contact a specialist

    Eating disorder treatment requires a therapist with specific training in eating disorders — not a general counselor who “also does some eating disorder work.” The evidence-based treatments for eating disorders (CBT-E, FBT for younger patients, DBT-informed approaches) are distinct from general therapy and require specific training.

    Consider the university counseling center — but know its limits

    Most university counseling centers have wait times of weeks to months for initial appointments, and limited ongoing session availability. They’re often not equipped for students with more than mild eating disorder presentations. For anything beyond mild, a community-based specialist is typically a better option.

    Know when it’s a medical emergency

    If your student is significantly underweight, fainting, has irregular heartbeat, or is refusing to eat, the first step is a medical evaluation — not a therapy referral. Eating disorders at lower weights are a medical emergency. Start with a physician or emergency care if you’re concerned about physical safety.

    Working With Miriam Iken Goodman, LICSW

    I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Boston specializing in eating disorder therapy for college students and young adults ages 17–30. I work with students from BU, Northeastern, BC, Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Emerson, Simmons, and other Boston-area universities.

    I work with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID, using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and ACT. I also coordinate with treatment teams including dietitians, physicians, and higher-level-of-care programs when needed.

    I offer a free 15-minute consultation for parents and prospective clients. Sessions are via telehealth.

    Schedule a Free Consultation or reach me at contact form.

    Miriam Iken Goodman, LICSW is a Boston eating disorder therapist specializing in treatment for college students and young adults. She completed her MSW at the University of Pennsylvania and has a clinical affiliation with Walden Behavioral Care.

  • How Biofeedback Treatments Can Help with Eating Disorders

    How Biofeedback Treatments Can Help with Eating Disorders

    Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have devastating effects on sufferers. They can result in severe consequences such as infertility, heart disease, and even death. Those who suffer from eating disorders tend to engage in unhealthy behaviors like binge eating, starving themselves, and various methods of compensation for eating. Eating disorder rehab centers can be beneficial for those who need professional help dealing with their condition. However, there are other ways to manage your symptoms at home without needing to check into a clinic. Biofeedback treatments are one such way. These treatments involve using sensors to monitor certain physical responses and training yourself to control them using relaxation techniques. This article explains how biofeedback treatments can help with eating disorders, so keep reading to know more!

    What is Biofeedback?

    Biofeedback is a technique that teaches you to control certain physiological responses, such as heart rate or temperature, using relaxation techniques. It is typically used to treat health conditions such as headaches, anxiety, and sleep problems. People who suffer from eating disorders often have imbalances in their nervous systems. This can affect their decision-making skills and lead them to engage in disordered eating behaviors. When you engage in biofeedback treatments, sensors are attached to various parts of your body. You are then shown data related to your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. You can use this information to train your body to respond in a healthier way.

    Why is Biofeedback Good for Eating Disorders?

    The cause of eating disorders is largely unknown. However, studies suggest that there is an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brains of people who struggle with eating disorders. In addition, individuals with eating disorders tend to have lower heart rates than people who don’t. This can be a sign of a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system, which is the system that controls the functioning of your organs. It can be helpful to use biofeedback treatments for eating disorders because you can see the data about your heart rate. This can help you regain control over your autonomic nervous system and increase your tools in managing your eating disorder symptoms. Studies have shown that biofeedback treatments can lead to improvements in eating disorder symptoms and are typically more effective when used alongside other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.  

    How Does Biofeedback Work in Eating Disorders?

    Similar to other mental illnesses, the cause of eating disorders is not fully understood. It’s possible that eating disorders are influenced by genetic or environmental factors, or a combination of the two. There’s also the possibility that these factors can interact with each other. Someone who has a genetic predisposition to developing an eating disorder may experience a trigger that puts them at a higher risk for its development. What happens during biofeedback treatments? As mentioned above, sensors are attached to various parts of your body. You are then shown data related to your vital signs. You can use this information to train your body to respond in a healthier way. For example, you can use biofeedback to train your heart rate to get lower when you eat, to ease some of the anxiety that you may experience when eating.

    Eating disorders are serious health conditions that often require professional treatment. Eating disorder rehab centers can be a helpful option to consider. However, there are other options besides in-patient care. Biofeedback can be a helpful tool in understanding your body’s reaction to food, and increase use of skills to managing responses rather than using eating disorder behaviors. Biofeedback treatments can be helpful for those with eating disorders.

  • Is Intermittent Fasting a Gateway to Eating Disorders?

    Is Intermittent Fasting a Gateway to Eating Disorders?

    Intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to help with weight loss and health. However, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia also involve frequent eating and fasting. So, is intermittent fasting a gateway to eating disorders? Intermittent fasting involves periods of time where you don’t eat anything (also known as a fast), broken up by windows of time where you do eat. Any type of diet that involves restricting calories can lead to an eating disorder. But, the risks of developing an eating disorder are not related directly to intermittent fasting. Instead, they have more to do with how it’s practiced and what purposes it serves for the individual. There are different types of intermittent fasting, each with its own rules about when and how often one eats and the different goals behind it. Here, we explore the different types of Intermittent Fasting, their pros and cons, benefits, and common pitfalls – along with recommendations for which kinds of Intermittent Fasting might be helpful or harmful for different people.

    What is intermittent fasting?

    Intermittent fasting is a diet that cycles between periods of fasting and not fasting (or eating very little). People who do this generally try to eat what they normally would, but just less of it. Typically, people who practice intermittent fasting will fast for a set period of time (e.g., 16 hours every day) and then eat within a set “eating window” (e.g., 8 hours every day). That’s the basic idea behind all of the different types of intermittent fasting.

    Time-Restricted feeding

    Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a type of intermittent fasting where you only eat during a specific time period each day (e.g., from 10am to 6pm). You can also TRF by eating all of your daily calories in one sitting and then fasting for the rest of the day. Time-restricted feeding may be useful for people who have trouble with portion control and satisfying hunger with smaller meals at more frequent intervals. But, there’s also evidence that Time-Restricted Feeding can be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight.

    Weekly intermittent fasting

    This type of intermittent fasting mimics the way people ate throughout much of human history. People on weekly intermittent fasting eat normally for five days every week and then drastically reduce their food intake (or don’t eat at all) for two non-consecutive days each week. Fasting once per week may yield some of the same health benefits as daily intermittent fasting, including reducing risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, it’s unclear if fasting just once per week will produce the same benefits as daily intermittent fasting.

    Feast and fast days

    Feast and fast days are similar to weekly intermittent fasting in that people eat normally five days every week, then drastically reduce their food intake once per week. The difference is that people on feast and fast days “fast” for an entire day rather than just one meal. Some people who practice intermittent fasting believe that only restricting food intake for 24 hours at a time is less mentally taxing than fasting for an entire week. Depending on how one practices intermittent fasting, it may be helpful for people who are trying to lose weight, improve their health, and/or reduce symptoms of certain diseases. In fact, intermittent fasting may be more effective than daily calorie restriction for some people.

    The bottom line: Is intermittent fasting a gateway to eating disorders?

    Intermittent fasting is only a risk factor for an eating disorder if it’s used as a way to cope with negative emotions and/or if it’s used compulsively. If the only reason you’re fasting is because you want to lose weight, you may be at risk. However, there are many different types of intermittent fasting and they each have different pros and cons. So, even though intermittent fasting has been linked to an increased risk of eating disorders, there are types of intermittent fasting that are more likely than others to lead to an eating disorder. Indeed, eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, and not just about diet. But, the way one practices an eating pattern can make a big difference.

    What are the risks of intermittent fasting?

    • Eating disorders: When people use dieting and weight loss to cope with negative emotions, they often develop an eating disorder. This can happen in the context of any diet that restricts food intake, including intermittent fasting.
    • Nutrient deficiencies: Intermittent fasting can be harmful if you don’t get enough calories and/or nutrients from foods like protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron and B vitamins. That’s because when you’re not eating, your body is breaking down muscle for energy, so you can run out of these important nutrients. And, if you’re not eating enough during the “eating window” of an intermittent fasting diet, you can also become deficient in certain nutrients.

    What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?

    • Improved insulin sensitivity: Some research suggests that daily intermittent fasting may improve insulin sensitivity, which can help in managing diabetes.
    • Better heart health: intermittent fasting may increase levels of “good” cholesterol, lower levels of triglycerides (blood fats), and reduce inflammation, which can all be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease.
    • Better mental health: Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may improve anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
    • More time: One study found that people who practiced daily intermittent fasting reported feeling less stressed out and having more time in their lives.

     

    If you are thinking about trying intermittent fasting and have struggled with an eating disorder, check in with your physician or therapist first. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out to us here for eating disorder treatment today.

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  • 5 Nutrition Tips for Someone Recovering from an Eating Disorder

    5 Nutrition Tips for Someone Recovering from an Eating Disorder

    Recovering from an eating disorder is a process. It’s not something that can be fixed overnight. In fact, most people who experience the effects of an eating disorder for a prolonged period of time will require ongoing treatment and support to ensure they do not relapse. Eating disorders are often seen as vanity problems. However, in reality, they are much more than just about a fear of fat or food. They are mental illnesses that cause serious physiological side effects. Eating disorders affect around one in every 200 people at some point in their life, and if left untreated can have devastating consequences. To get back to a healthy place after suffering from the effects of an eating disorder takes time, patience and persistence. Recovery can be difficult and challenging; however it is also rewarding and life-changing. Use these 5 nutrition tips for someone recovering from an eating disorder to help you on your journey.

    Don’t be afraid to experiment with food.

    One of the hardest parts of recovering from an eating disorder is trying to work out what normal eating habits actually are. What does a ‘normal’ portion size look like? How often should you eat? What sort of foods should you be eating? During the initial stages of your recovery, it’s important not to be too rigid or fixed about the way you eat. It’s likely that your body and nutritional requirements have changed significantly from what they were when you were at your lowest. When you were in the grip of an eating disorder, you were in a mentally and physically unhealthy state. This meant that your body was functioning at a sub-par level and couldn’t make the best and most accurate nutritional calculations. This can make it harder to work out what is a ‘normal’ amount of food to eat.

    Take care of your body, but don’t obsess over exercise.

    Exercise is an incredibly important part of good health; however, it is crucial not to fall into the trap of obsessing over it. For many people, the obsessive nature of eating disorders feeds into an unhealthy fixation with exercise and fitness. You may have become obsessed with the calories you are burning through exercise, counting them religiously and pushing yourself to do more and more each day. When you are recovering from an eating disorder, it is important not to fall into the same unhealthy trap with exercise. You need to be mindful of your body and how it responds to exercise so that you don’t injure yourself. You also need to be careful not to push yourself too far and spark a relapse. It’s also important to note that exercise is not a magical fix-all that will instantly repair your mental state and somehow make you eat ‘properly’ again. It is a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it is not a substitute for therapy.

    Don’t pressure yourself to eat more than you want.

    Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect the way you think and feel about food. Your eating disorder is a false voice that is telling you that you are not good enough and that you are in some way inadequate. When you are in the grips of an eating disorder, you are often in a heightened state of anxiety, fear or self-loathing. This can make it incredibly difficult to think rationally about food and to trust your instincts about when you are full or hungry. The eating disorder might make you believe that you need to eat more when you are not actually hungry, or that you have to eat a certain amount at every mealtime. It may also make you think that you need to eat certain foods at certain times. With the help of a therapist and a nutritionist, you can learn how to trust your instincts and be mindful of your body when it comes to eating.

    Maintain a healthy relationship with food.

    Your relationship with food needs to change as you recover from an eating disorder. You need to learn to trust your body, understand what it needs and appreciate that it is capable of coping with life stresses. You may need to give your body more time to digest certain foods, which can be frustrating if you are accustomed to eating on a strict schedule. You may also find that your mental state affects how quickly you are able to process food and that you need to eat more often. A therapist can help you navigate the emotional and psychological effects of the eating disorder, while a nutritionist can help you navigate the physiological effects. They can help you understand how the eating disorder has affected your body and provide practical strategies to help you cope with it.

    Keep in mind why you want to recover from your eating disorder.

    When you are in the grips of an eating disorder, it can be incredibly hard to remember anything about your life outside of food. Your eating disorder has taken control and become the major focus of your life. You have been consumed with thoughts of food, dieting and calories. When you are recovering from an eating disorder, it is important to keep these things in mind. It can be easy to slip back into old habits and forget the reasons that you wanted to recover in the first place. You need to be mindful of the fact that you have a goal and a reason to keep pushing through even if you are feeling like you are failing. You may not feel like you are making any progress, and you may feel like you’ve failed every diet you’ve tried in the past. But you need to keep in mind that every day you are getting one step closer to the person you want to be.

    Recovering from an eating disorder is a long and challenging process. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey and that there are people out there who can help you. There are countless people who have suffered from the effects of an eating disorder and conquered it. You can do the same thing, but you need to be patient with the process and take care of yourself along the way.

  • Living with Someone with an Eating Disorder

    Living with Someone with an Eating Disorder

    An eating disorder is a mental illness that can be extremely difficult to experience. It’s not only trying for the person with the eating disorder, but also for their loved ones. Eating disorders are more common than you think. In fact, about one in five young women will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their life. These diseases are usually triggered by stressors, such as family issues, peer pressure, and personal problems, and can be manifested as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. An individual suffering from an eating disorder may have a hard time trusting others, especially if they have been hurt in the past. Their trust issues may also make it harder for them to open up about their struggles and seek help sooner when necessary. Here are some struggles of living with someone who has an eating disorder:

    You’ll feel like you can’t help them.

    Living with someone who has an eating disorder can make you feel helpless at times. You want to be there for them and help them get better, but you may not know exactly how. You may feel like you need to step in and help, but they may push you away because they don’t want to be “fixed,” or they may not even realize they have a problem. In these moments, it’s important to try and remain calm. You can’t help them if you’re stressed out too. Let them know that it’s OK and that you’re here to help. Showing them love and support is always the right thing to do. 

    Living with a person suffering from an eating disorder can be extremely stressful.

    Many people with eating disorders don’t seek treatment because they don’t feel like they have a problem. They may not view themselves as “sick enough” or needing help, which can make living with them even more difficult. You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them out of fear of saying the wrong thing and triggering them. You may feel like you can’t be yourself around them or like you need to pretend to be someone you’re not just to make them feel better. This can be extremely stressful and can damage your relationships with others in the long run. 

    You may worry about their physical and mental health.

    People with eating disorders often have a hard time taking care of their bodies and their mental health. You may worry that they don’t eat enough or that they’re not getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy. You may also worry that they will hurt themselves if there have been safety concerns. You may also worry that their eating disorder will get worse and become even more serious and dangerous. 

    You will feel overburdened by responsibilities.

    Living with someone with an eating disorder can add a lot of responsibilities and stress to your life. You may feel like you need to monitor their diet, their exercise habits, and their mental health. You may feel like you need to make sure they eat enough and that they don’t skip meals or not eat healthfully. You may also feel like you need to keep track of how much time they spend on their phone or computer, or how much time they spend exercising. You may feel like you need to keep tabs on their social media interactions too. 

    Your loved one may use you as a coping mechanism.

    People with eating disorders often rely on their loved ones for emotional support and as a coping tool. They may use you to distract themselves from their problems, use you as a sounding board for their issues, yet struggle to consistently want to address the eating disorder.

    Living with someone who has an eating disorder can be difficult and stressful. It can be more challenging if the individual does not want help, or does not realize there is a problem. You can help your loved ones by being there for them when they need it, but also by setting healthy boundaries. It is important for them to know you love and support them, and are there to help when they are ready.

  • 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Bulimia

    5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Bulimia

    Most people understand that Bulimia is when someone eats food and purges it shortly after. There are still some misconceptions surrounding bulimia that are important to be aware of. Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of bingeing and purging. While bulimia is often thought of as a disorder that affects young women, it can actually affect people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Bulimia is often triggered by dieting. When people restrict their food intake, they may be more likely to binge when finally giving in to their cravings. Here are five facts you probably didn’t know about Bulimia.

    Bulimia Is Often Rooted In Compulsive Behavior/Habits

    Bulimia typically impacts people focused on their body image, and feeling that they need to control their weight. Eating what they want, and feeling guilt and embarrassment, will be purged by vomiting excessive diuretics or laxatives. There can also be an over-exercise component in order to compensate for food eaten, leading to injuries and deficiencies in their body. 

    It Is Possible To Have Normal Body Weight Even With Bulimia?

    If someone is bulimic, it doesn’t automatically mean they will be clinically underweight. The person who has bulimia can still be an average body weight since they are still consuming calories, and their body adjusts to the lack of calories, so their weight doesn’t fluctuate as drastically. Some cases of bulimia are misdiagnosed as something else because you often do not see the drastic change in your body as you would with anorexia.

    Bulimia doesn’t mean you purge after every meal

    If someone is bulimic, it doesn’t automatically mean they will be clinically underweight. The person who has bulimia can still be an average body weight since they are still consuming calories, and their body adjusts to the lack of calories, so their weight doesn’t fluctuate as drastically. Some cases of bulimia are misdiagnosed as something else because you often do not see the drastic change in your body as you would with anorexia.

    It’s About Control

    People with bulimia may experience the desire to be skinny. Still, in many cases, the people that struggle with this are seeking control of something in their life; food can be an easier method of controlling the food you eat and when and how you purge, making it a vicious cycle that can be very difficult to get out of.

    Men suffer from bulimia too

    We typically mostly hear about women struggling with this eating disorder. The percentage of bulimia cases According to data, is that nearly 15% of people being treated for bulimia and anorexia are actually male. Males are less likely to seek help and are less likely to show noticeable symptoms.

    Bulimia impacts many people of all ages, races, and genders and should be considered a serious threat to someone’s life. Bulimia is associated with a higher risk of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia, it’s essential to get professional help. Bulimia can be difficult to overcome on one’s own, but with treatment, recovery is possible. 
  • 4 Health Impacts Caused by Eating Disorders

    4 Health Impacts Caused by Eating Disorders

    Eating disorders can have severe consequences on one’s health. They can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and problems with digestion and sleep in the short term. In the long-term, eating disorders can increase the risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal and neurological issues, and can impact your endocrine system. Eating disorders can also be fatal. Every year, thousands of people die from complications related to eating disorders.

    Heart Damage

    When you restrict your calorie intake and do not get enough nutrients, your body finds fuel in alternate ways. Muscle is the first thing the body breaks down, and the most important muscle in your body is the heart. Pulse and blood pressure begin to lower as the heart has less fuel and fewer cells to help the heartbeat. Heart failure risks rise as the heart rate and blood pressure levels lower. This creates a dangerous situation for someone who engages in this behavior regularly.

    Purging by vomiting or using laxatives can also impact the heart’s function. These behaviors impact your body’s ability to balance electrolytes in your system, which contributes to the heart being able to beat, and muscles being able to contract. When there is an electrolyte imbalance, it can cause irregular heartbeats and potentially lead to heart failure and death. Read this article for a more in-depth breakdown of how your heart is impacted.

    GASTROINTESTINAL

    Eating disorders impact your gastrointestinal system since your body is not functioning as it would without the behavior use. When you restrict your body from having any food, it can cause gastrointestinal muscles to atrophy and cause your stomach to rupture. When you deplete your stomach of food, it can cause stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, bacterial infections, and many other side effects linked to eating disorders. Eating disorder behaviors can lead to slow, inefficient digestion and poor bowel functioning, which can make recovering from an eating disorder very uncomfortable and push people back into their cycle of behavior due to other significant GI distress they experience when they try to eat normally again.

    NEUROLOGICAL

    The brain needs calories to function, as it utilizes one-fifth of the calories you consume for it to work correctly. Without enough calories, it impacts the ability to think clearly and concentrate fully. In addition, the body’s neurons require an insulating, protective layer of lipids to conduct electricity. Insufficient fat consumption can damage this protective layer, causing numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and other extremities. If the brain and blood vessels cannot get enough blood to the brain, it can cause fainting and dizziness.

    ENDOCRINE

    The endocrine system is impacted by lowered sex hormones which can cause menstruation to fail to begin, become irregular, or stop altogether. Without enough energy to fuel its metabolic fire, core body temperature will drop, and hypothermia may develop. Over time, binge eating can potentially increase the chances that a person’s body will become resistant to insulin, a hormone that lets the body get energy from carbohydrates. This can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, creating a lifelong medical condition.

    These are all severe side effects for people who develop eating disorders; making a recovery from eating disorders a challenging process that requires the support of friends, family members, and healthcare professionals. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please reach out to us here for eating disorder treatment today.

  • How Has Covid Impacted Eating Disorders

    How Has Covid Impacted Eating Disorders

    The Covid pandemic has impacted everyone in some way, shape, or form. During the pandemic, many people were isolated from loved ones, creating loneliness. According to the statistics, this is one of the contributing factors to eating disorders. The pandemic has been an ideal environment for eating disorders to thrive due to the increase of loneliness and isolation. Since March of 2020, we have all experienced isolation to some degree. 

     

    Increases in Eating Disorders

    Since 2012, eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia have increased significantly. There have been reports of eating disorders rising by almost 5% per year; researchers are finding what is causing the uptick in eating disorder diagnoses. Anthony Fardella, the lead author on the paper and medical student at USF Morsani College of Medicine, says that it’s speculated that eating disorders among millennials are increasing due to different stress factors than previous generations.

    Some of the early studies point to media use, including social media, as being associated with increased risk for disordered eating, in particular through exposure to thin-ideal‐ and diet culture‐related content as well as food advertising (Boswell & Kober, 2016; Levine & Murnen, 2009; Rodgers & Melioli, 2016). The pandemic requirements of social distancing likely increase social media use as a means of communication, which may heighten the risk for disordered eating.

    Social Media and Eating Disorders

    Social media has created unrealistic expectations, especially in the days of newly created filters and AI-driven image manipulation. Thirty-two percent of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, and that Instagram made them feel worse. Facebook researchers wrote in the presentation about the adverse effects of Instagram, according to the Journal. This is one of the indicators of the added pressures facing the youth that have grown up in the digital revolution.

    The statistics for eating disorders are staggering, as previously mentioned. A typical increase per year is 5% for 2020. The increase was a staggering 15%. During the pandemic, hospitals averaged about 41 new anorexia cases per month — up from about 25 in pre-pandemic times, the study found. And more newly diagnosed kids were ending up in the hospital: 20 hospitalizations a month in 2020, versus about eight in prior years.

    The statistics are a significant indicator that we have a population of people who needed additional support since the pandemic started.

    If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please reach out to us here for eating disorder treatment today.

  • Eating Disorders Impact Men Too

    Eating Disorders Impact Men Too

    There is a misconception that women are the only ones that have eating disorders. According to NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) “Males represent 25% of individuals with anorexia nervosa estimating that between 4 and 5 million men in the United States have an eating disorder.” To many people’s surprise, subclinical eating disordered behaviors (including binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight loss) are nearly as common among males as they are among females. Men with eating disorders are less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorders because they feel as though they would be admitting weakness.

    Men and Women Diagnosed Equally With Eating Disorders

    Statistically, men are just as likely to get diagnosed with an eating disorder as women; the difference is that women are more vocal about it. Men with eating disorders may become obsessed with their body fat percentages and lean muscle mass, but may be less inclined to discuss with their doctor due to believing that discussing their weight or eating habits is a sign that they lack strength. The focus on body can also be misinterpreted as “healthy” or praised in society. 

    Unlikely To Seek Treatment

    According to NEDA, men are more likely to seek treatment for other issues such as depression or substance abuse but not an eating disorder because they think they can handle it on their own. There is a stigma when it comes to men having eating disorders making it hard for them to talk about it without feeling emasculated.

    Spotting The Signs

    Men with eating disorders respond differently to visual cues of men’s bodies, men eating food, or men exercising, in comparion to men who are overweight or obese, although the signs and symptoms are no different than what you would look for in women. These include:

    • Sudden weight loss or gain
      • Signs of vomiting, such as dental erosion
    • Fainting
    • Body dissatisfaction
    • Depression
    • Heightened anxiety
    • Frequent trips to the bathroom
    • Secretive behavior around eating
    • Obsessive behavior relating to body weight

     

    Eating disorders can be treated, for males or females, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder please reach out to us here for eating disorder treatment today.

  • How is Bulimia Harmful

    How is Bulimia Harmful

    Bulimia nervosa, commonly referred to simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder that results in binging and purging. Binging refers to the act of eating a large amount of food in a short period of time, often more than what would be expected in a typical eating scenario. Purging refers to the behavior of compensation for the over-eating, such as forced vomiting, the use of laxatives and enemas, or extreme exercise. The bulimic may continue to starve themself between binges in a misguided attempt to compensate for food consumed during a binge. Bulimia can be caused by numerous factors that lead to its development including low self-esteem, depression, and a desire to be thin.

    Less Common. Equally Dangerous.

    Bulimia is a less common but equally dangerous eating disorder like anorexia nervosa. In bulimia, the sufferer eats abnormally large amounts of food in a short amount of time, known as binging, followed by purging in an attempt to not to gain weight. They may spend many hours each day thinking about food, what they will eat, how to go about getting it, as well as planning for purging. After purging, bulimics often feel as if they’ve already eaten as much as they should. They may eat very little for weeks following an episode of binging and purging, leading to very low body weight.  

    Understanding Bulimia

    Bulimia can be challenging to treat if the individual is not ready to address the concerns, feels shameful about it, or does not think it is a problem. Sometimes they may cover up their low body weight with baggy clothes and hope that no one will notice. People with bulimia (45.2 %) are also more likely than anorexics (34.6%) to commit suicide (Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2013).

    A common misconception about eating disorders is that people only want to be thin. Bulimia can be used as a coping skill or to feel relief from unpleasant feelings, such as anxiety, guilt, depression, or anger.  They may end up feeling shame or guilt from using the behavior, which could be minimized in comparison to the desire for weight loss or control. 

    However, people with bulimia should remember that bulimia causes many dangerous side effects, which can lead to organ failure and death, without proper treatment. Bulimia can be treated, and asking for help can lead to recovery and a reduced risk of danger from the disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder please reach out to us here for eating disorder treatment today.