What are Eating Disorders? Eating
disorders are treatable conditions that affect one's
physical, psychological, spiritual health, and body image. The
term eating disorder includes the following:
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent and, at times, compulsive
binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviors designed to counter over-eating. Individuals who struggle with BED may range
from below average weight to obese.
Compulsive Eating is the use of food for reasons other than hunger. At times, one may feel unable to stop eating.
Bulimia Nervosa is a serious and
potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized
by a cycle of binge eating followed by some means
of purging. This cycle of bingeing and purging leads
to drastic and often dangerous changes in one's
body chemistry. Chemical imbalances can lead to
a stroke and/or a heart attack, even when an individual
is relatively young.
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and
excessive weight-loss, usually 15% below one's "normal" or "recommended" body weight. Low body weight can lead to major medical complications
including low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, kidney problems and chemical imbalances.
What is Normal Eating? Normal eating is difficult to define and can mean different things
for different people. It is important, particularly if you are struggling with an eating problem, to think about what
Normal Eating means to you.
Recovery is Possible! Eating disorder treatment is available and recovery is
possible!
It is possible to access eating disorder treatment while taking classes at UM. In some cases, students choose to take fewer credits
or temporarily withdraw to allow more time and energy for treatment. In any case, we can offer support and assistance!
Regardless of how long you've struggled with eating issues or the severity of your eating disorder, the sooner you begin treatment, the
better. The longer disordered eating patterns continue and the more deeply ingrained they become, the more difficult recovery may be. Seek
help soon if you think you or a friend might be struggling with eating problems.
How Would I Know If I Have an Eating Disorder? Many individuals struggling with eating problems
find that, although their behaviors are not entirely healthy, they also do not fit neatly into the definition of any one eating disorder.
Clinicians at UM Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and University Health Service (UHS) can help you to assess your eating patterns
and access support and treatment if needed. See Resources for Eating Disorders
and Body Image for UM treatment providers.
How Can I Help? You can help to prevent eating disorders and promote positive
body image by
celebrating your natural size and choosing to love your body. Here are a few practical ways to do so:
Associate with people who make you feel good about yourself.
Do not promote the erroneous belief that thinness and weight loss are good while body fat and weight gain are bad.
Avoid categorizing foods as good/safe or bad/dangerous.
Avoid making negative comments about your physical appearance or that of others.
Pay close attention to your diet during transition or troublesome periods. Make it a
priority to eat healthfully despite stress.
