Do you realize how many eating disorders are being recognized today... Anorexia Nervosa... Bulimia Nervosa... Compulsive Overeating... Binge Eating Disorder...  

An Eating Disorder is often a reaction to a low self-esteem, or a negative means of coping with life’s stresses…  (How many times do I

comfort eat & then feel guilty for doing so!)

Some believe that Eating Disorders may co-exist with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) & ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder). Studies have shown that women who go undiagnosed as ADD (but do in fact have it) are much more likely to develop an Eating Disorder.. see link http://www.something-fishy.org/isf/mentalhealth.php  

For a comprehensive list on the Signs and Symptoms to watch for check out http://www.something-fishy.org/isf/signssymptoms.php

But BE AWARE: Someone DOES NOT need to appear underweight or even "average" to suffer ANY of the signs and symptoms listed at the abovewebsite. Many men and women with Eating Disorders appear NOT to be underweight... it does not mean they suffer less or are in any less danger.

When researching how people suffering from an eating disorder are affected physically I recognised the importance of heeding our bodies warning signs...

The Following A-Z list highlights some of the physical effects that can affect people suffering from an eating disorder

A - Amenorrhea - absence of normal periods - Bulimics tend to have irregular periods / anorexia often skip 3 or more consecutive periods due to their body fat dropping to below 22 -23 %

B - Blood Cell Functioning - Usually there is a decreased white blood cell count so the immune system may be impaired

C - Cardiovascular Complications - Vomiting alters the electrolytes to alter, causing irregular heartbeat. Anorexia has a high mortality rate of 5-15 % from cardiac arrest.

D - Digestion - Most commonly there is a deficiency in enzymes. Also laxatives aggravate the problem as the bowel becomes dependent on them. Many patients develop inflammatory bowel disorders similar to ulcerative colitis. The most common digestive disorder creates discomfort from bloating due to the slower emptying of food from the stomach.

E - Erosion of Tooth Enamel. Cavities are also quite common

F - Forgetfulness. When the central nervous system is affected our brains slow down.

G - Glandular Functioning. Thyroid abnormalities have been associated with eating disorders... these can lead to the lowering of body temperature, dry skin, brittle nails, deceased reflexes & slight fluid retention

H - Hypoglycaemia. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness & shaking

I - Impulse Control Disorder. (a loss of control in oneself... hence the overeating or the vomiting)

J - Judgement. Perception is altered...someone with an eating disorder really does SEE themself as 'fat' when they are all skin & bone... 

M - Musculoskeletal Problems - Potassium deficiency causes muscle spasms, pain & muscle atrophy.

O - Other Physical Problems. Including skin problems. Many anorexics hair is limp & thin. (my daughter started to lose hers through a combination of bad nutrition, hormone imbalance & polycystic ovaries). Often a downy fuzz appears on other parts of the body. An anorexic has cold hand & feet, due to the layers of body fat being depleted.

R - Renal. Sometimes complications develop which affect the kidneys

S - Seizures. Seem to occur in a higher rate in people with eating disorders.

V - Vision Impairment. Sometimes night vision is affected

W - Weight. Speaks for itself.

X - X-ray Abnormalities. Calcium deficiency causes osteoporosis, which in turn can cause more fracture.