eating disordersEating disorders cause people to obsess about weight and what they eat. Eating disorders are associated with social pressure to be thin, the easy availability of unhealthy foods, yo-yo dieting, and low-self-esteem. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by a distorted body image, an unwarranted fear of being overweight, binging on large amounts of food, and purging to avoid gaining weight (e.g., vomiting, excessive exercising, or using laxatives). A medical examination and follow-up visits with your family doctor is
required because purging can have serious medical risks. Binge eating disorder is characterized by frequently binging on food and feeling out of control when binging. TREATMENT: Psychotherapy is the best way to work through these issues and seeking the advice of a nutritionist or dietician can be helpful. A physical examination by your family doctor and monitoring is required for eating disorder treatment. Psychological treatments include cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and relaxation training/distress tolerance (minimum 6-10 therapy sessions recommended). |
"I am beginning to measure myself in strength, not pounds. Sometimes in smiles.
- Laurie Halse Anderson
Helpful Links For eating disorders
- Canadian Psychological Association Eating Disorders fact sheet PDF
- Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) - A multidisciplinary professional organization that focuses on Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and related disorders. It also sponsors a newsletter and a conference.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - Formerly the American Dietetic Association, offers information about eating disorders, including an extensive nutrition reading list and a professional directory that allows visitors to search for Dietitians specializing in eating disorders.
- F.E.A.S.T. - F.E.A.S.T. is an organization of and for parents and caregivers to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders.
- For more resources, please visit the Helpful Links Page
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