Eating disorders are coping mechanisms which result in obsession with food and weight to deal with feelings of guild, pressures, stress, and other emotional factors. Eating disorders can result in severe health problems. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

If you, or someone you know, may be dealing with an eating disorder, it is very important to talk to a professional to find out what to do.

Anorexia:

• Loss of a significant amount of weight in a short period of time
• Obsession with fat, calories, and weight
•  Intense, irrational fear of weight gain
• Distorted body image
• A need to be perfect or in control
• Marked physical effects, including loss of hair, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, feeling cold due to decrease in body temperature, and abscence of menstrual periods.

Bulimia:

• Repeated acts of binge eating and purging; purging can be through vomiting, taking laxatives, water pills, or diet pills, fasting, and exercising excessively to "undo" the binge
• Excessive concern about body weight
• Frequent dieting
• Dental problems, mouth sores, and chronic sore throat
• Frequent time spent in bathrooms

Binge Eating Disorder:

• Periods of continuous and sporadic eating that is not related to hunger
• Impulsive binging on food without purging

More information on eating disorders and body image is available at the ECU Student Health Wellness Educational department. Stop by or make an appointment for counseling at the ECU Student Health Service by calling 328-6794 or through the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development by calling 328-6661