There are two main eating disorders treated at the HRSRH Eating Disorders Program, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Individuals with Anorexia either starve themselves or eat a diet that is extremely restrictive both in the amount and type of food consumed. They have an intense drive to attain thinness and believe that they are “too fat” and continue to fear weight gain even when underweight. When they are significantly underweight females will stop menstruating and individuals experience a range of medical and psychological symptoms.

People suffering from Bulimia experience episodes of binge-eating followed by behaviors aimed at ridding the body of food consumed during these binges. The binges usually are associated with distress and a loss of control. The amount of food consumed is excessive or larger than “typical”. These individuals are also extremely dissatisfied with their body’s shape and size and place great importance on weight loss. As with anorexia there are many potentially serious physical and psychological side-effects to the behaviors associated with the illness.

Anorexia and Bulimia affect about 5% of young Canadian women. Many individuals experience symptoms of both disorders during the course of the illness. Another 10-20% may experience partial disorders, not meeting full criteria for diagnosis but severe enough to cause difficulties in their lives. Approximately 95% of sufferers are women.

Physical Consequence of Anorexia and Bulimia:

• Dry skin / brittle nails
• Lanugo hair
• Swelling of feet / legs
• Slowed growth (in children and teens)
• Dizziness / fainting
• Constipation / diarrhea
• Loss of hunger cues
• Heartburn / ulcer
• Osteoporosis
• Tooth decay
• Fatigue
• Changes in brain composition
• Electrolyte disturbance / dehydration
• Dry hair / hair loss
• Yellow skin
• Kidney problems
• Loss of period / irregular period
• Cold intolerance
• Irregular heartbeat
• Bloating
• Enlargement of parotid gland
• Muscle spasms / weakness
• Fertility problems
• Seizures
• Frequent infections
• Loss of sex drive
• Anemia
• Reduced body temperature

Emotional Consequences of Anorexia and Bulimia:

• Impaired ability to concentrate
• Difficulty planning and problem solving
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression / sadness
• Mood fluctuations
• Difficulty sleeping
• Crying spells
• Loss of interest in activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of shame and guilt
• Intense dislike for their physical appearance
• Impairment of thought processes
• Thoughts of self-harm