1. I’ve always been confused on what exactly an eating disorder is. Could it also include binging food?
Broadly, when someone changes their normal eating patterns and it leads to physical health problems or makes it hard for them to function, they may fit the criteria for an eating disorder. There are six different eating disorders recognized by doctors and mental health professionals, each with distinct criteria, and in order to find out if you qualify for an eating disorder you must be evaluated by a health professional. Both Binge-Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa involve binging food, which means eating an amount of food that is larger than what most people would eat in one sitting and a feeling of a lack of control while binging.
2. Are there multiple types of eating disorders? What are some warning signs to consider if you think a friend may need help?
There are six different officially recognized eating disorders in the United States. Some involve eating nonfood substances (this is called Pica), others involve episodes of binging and purging, or intensely restricting food. Some things that might indicate you or a friend are struggling:
Changes in eating behavior – like if a friend used to eat lunch with you every day but suddenly goes to the bathroom to eat alone
Being preoccupied with eating, weight, or calories, perhaps often talking about or thinking about the need to “burn off” calories consumed
Sudden weight loss
Eating in secret
Feeling shame or guilt about your eating habits
Basing self-worth on weight or body shape
Feeling out of control with eating
However, you are not expected to be able to identify an eating disorder in another person or be able to diagnose yourself! If you or a friend are struggling you should let a trusted adult know, like a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor. There are also several hotlines you can call, including the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline (1-800-931-2237), Hopeline Network (1-800-442-4673) and Overeaters Anonymous (1-505-891-2664).
3. How can you help a friend who has an eating disorder? How should you bring it up in a conversation?
If you know that your friend has an eating disorder, I would ask them what’s the best way you can support them. Your friend will know best what they need. If you’re not sure whether your friend has an eating disorder, but you suspect it, I would share what you’re noticing in them in a very nonjudgmental way. For example: “I noticed you didn’t eat your lunch yesterday and I’m curious what was happening for you” or “I noticed you have been exercising every day after school and I’m curious to hear more about that!” If you think your friends’ life is in danger you should tell an adult who you trust, like a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.
4. Till what point is dieting and restricting food okay when I’m trying to lose weight?
What are your reasons for trying to lose weight? I would talk with your doctor about any weight loss goals. Each body is different and has different needs. Teen bodies especially are growing a lot and need adequate food intake for proper development! If you are dieting or restricting food, what consequences do you notice of dieting and restricting? For example, do you notice irritability, tiredness, lack of focus? If the consequences are becoming distressing or interfering with your life, that’s a good sign that you might want to try something other than dieting and restricting food to lose weight. You might also consider changing your goal of losing weight to a different goal, like living a healthy lifestyle.
