A warm cup of soup, some gooey macaroni and cheese, a big scoop of ice cream- foods that often bring feelings of comfort. Unfortunately, for thousands of people in Florida each year, food is a source of stress, instead of joy.

The National Institute of Mental Health says eating disorders are serious medical illnesses that can affect a person’s physical and mental health. They can be life-threatening- because of a higher risk of both suicide and physical complications.

In 2019 in Duval County, 133 people were hospitalized because of an eating disorder, according to data from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. While that number has dropped in the last couple of years, Florida overall has seen a trend up, with 2,403 hospitalizations in 2019.

And while we don’t yet have data for 2020, the National Eating Disorders Association says their Helpline has seen a 40% increase in contact since March 2020, when COVID-19-related lockdowns started in the US. It’s believed isolation, stockpiling of food, disruptions in available treatment, and similar factors tied to COVID-19 heighten symptoms of eating disorders and the risk of relapse.

While these rates are troubling, these illnesses can be treated, especially if the warning signs are spotted early and treatment is sought.

Understanding Eating Disorders

The NIMH says research suggests genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors can all heighten the risk of a person suffering an eating disorder. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says the disorders may stem from a person trying to control food as a coping mechanism for overwhelming or painful feelings and emotions.

While eating disorders affect all people regardless of background, NAMI says there is a higher rate among women, and onset is generally as a child, teen, or young adult. Of the Duval County hospitalizations in 2019, 47 were patients under 18-years-old.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are three main types of eating disorders, and each has its own warning signs and effects.

  1. Anorexia Nervosa

    Someone with anorexia nervosa greatly limits the amount of food they eat, restricts themselves from eating certain foods, and/or avoids food altogether. Sometimes a person with this eating disorder will also binge and purge, or may exercise to an excessive degree.

    Symptoms include extreme thinness, irritability, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. If a person suffers from anorexia nervosa for an extended time, they may also experience muscle wasting and weakness, brittle hair, dry skin, sluggishness, or even heart or brain damage or organ failure.

  2. Bulimia Nervosa

    Someone with bulimia nervosa feels a lack of control as they eat a large quantity of food, which they then compensate for through purging behaviors like forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, exercise, or a combination.

    A person with bulimia nervosa may be a normal weight or overweight. They will often experience a sore throat, problems with their teeth, acid reflux, and dehydration. Severe medical problems including stroke or heart attack are possible. Emotionally, someone with bulimia nervosa may have low self-esteem, feel shame, and withdraw from friends and family.

  3. Binge-Eating Disorder

    Someone with binge-eating disorder loses control and overeats, but does not also purge or carry out other compensating behavior. This means a person with binge-eating disorder often is overweight.

    Symptoms of this illness include eating a large amount of food quickly, eating when not hungry or when already full, eating in secret, feeling ashamed of eating habits, and frequent attempts at dieting.

Eating Disorder Help

Early intervention is important for a person who has an eating disorder. A treatment plan will often be multi-faceted, including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, medication, or a combination. Because of the physical complications that come with eating disorders, it is important to have medical care be a part of a treatment plan as well.

The National Eating Disorders Association says supporting a loved one that you think has an eating disorder is a crucial part of their recovery. They recommend you privately speak with your loved one while focusing on facts and what you are personally seeing and feeling, like using “I” statements similar to “I have noticed you don’t eat breakfast anymore”. Show support for your loved one and remove the stigma around seeking help, while offering to help them find someone to talk to. NEDA runs a Helpline, and there are many licensed eating disorder therapists and counselors right here in Jacksonville who specialize in eating disorders.

Be prepared for your loved one to react negatively to this conversation or not want to take any action. Know that, even if this is the case, you have made it clear to your friend or family member that you are there to support them, and that help is available.

Courtesy: Gwendolyn Brown, M.S..

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