Disordered eating can completely take over a person’s life, affecting them physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can lead to serious health issues such as malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, and gastrointestinal complications. In some cases, disordered eating patterns can even be life-threatening. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of an eating disorder so that you can get the proper help and support you need.
Call True Life Center’s eating disorder treatment in San Diego, California, to get the help you need to recover from an eating disorder. Everyone deserves to lead a happy and healthy life.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and the ability to function in important areas of life. They often develop in the teen and young adult years, although they can develop at other ages, too. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, races, ethnicities, or socioeconomic backgrounds. In media, eating disorders are often portrayed as an issue that only affects thin, white females. However, this is a harmful stereotype, and it’s important to recognize that anyone can struggle with disordered eating.
At True Life Center, we understand the complexities of eating disorders and offer a compassionate, integrative approach to treatment. We believe in looking at the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms.
Common Eating Disorder Signs
Eating disorder signs can vary depending on the type of disorder. However, some common signs of an eating disorder include:
- Preoccupation with body weight, size, and shape
- Fear of gaining weight or being “fat”
- Feeling out of control during episodes of eating
- Restricting food or types of food
- Frequent dieting
- Evidence of binge eating
These signs can be indications of various types of eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.
Common Types of Eating Disorders
There are several types of eating disorders.
Anorexia Nervosa
Individuals with this disorder see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight. They weigh themselves repeatedly, severely restrict the amount of food they eat, and eat very small quantities of only certain foods.
Bulimia Nervosa
This disorder is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food followed by behavior that compensates for the overeating, such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise, or a combination of these behaviors.
Binge Eating Disorder
People with this disorder lose control over their eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, periods of binge eating are not followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Hidden Symptoms of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Individuals may also display secretive behaviors around food, have a distorted body image, or exhibit physical signs such as dizziness, fainting, or significant weight fluctuations.
Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorder treatment can help alleviate eating disorder signs and symptoms, address co-occurring conditions, and help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms. At True Life Center, our treatment includes a comprehensive approach that combines therapy, nutritional support, and medication management if needed.
Call True Life Center to Start Eating Disorder Treatment in San Diego, CA
If you or a loved one are showing signs of an eating disorder, reach out to True Life Center today. Our dedicated and compassionate team provides comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Call 866.420.1792 or reach out online today.
True Life Center is the next evolution in healthcare. We focus on more than just alleviating symptoms. We believe in the transformative change that occurs in the process of healing that brings people into their authentic selves.