Traditionally the conditions classified as eating disorders have been associated mainly with young females, but the condition can actually affect all ages and males as well as females. To prevent a loved one harming themselves it is important to know which signs to look out for so that you can help them as soon as possible.

Anorexia and bulimia are the most frequently seen disorders of this type. Anorexics will eat as little as possible or will eat nothing at all for extended periods. They may also use an excessive amount of dieting pills. Bulimia sufferers are harder to spot as they often appear to eat normally, while some will eat excessively without gaining weight. To lose the weight they will force themselves to vomit, use laxatives or diuretics and exercise compulsively. A person may suffer from both conditions.

Eating disorders are not only about losing weight as there are also binge eaters who, opposite to anorexics and bulimics, will eat excessive amounts of food, often in secret to hide the problem.

Binge Eating

Binge eaters will almost certainly become obese which can lead to type 2 diabetes as well as suffering from other problems including sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexics have a great chance of heart disease or heart failure, anemia, lung problems, bone loss, kidney and gastrointestinal problems. In addition to this bulimics are more likely to get tooth decay and a ruptured esophagus due to repeated vomiting.

The physical effects of these disorders can cause long-term or permanent damage which if left untreated can be life-threatening. It may be difficult to convince a sufferer to get help as these disorders are emotional disorders -sufferers may also be depressed or suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. They will also try to hide their condition so you may not suspect until it has been going on for some time.

It is important that those who have an eating disorder get medical help as soon as possible and by knowing the signs to look for, you can encourage them to get this help before the problem becomes life-threatening. Below are some of the most common signs to look out for:

Anorexics and bulimics will:

• Go to the bathroom as soon as a meal is finished
• Experience unexplained weight loss
• Suffer from dehydration
• Be prone to fainting, dizziness or fatigue
• Have brittle nails, thinning hair and dry lips
• Stop menstruating or have irregular menstruation
• Become very selective about what they eat
• Have regular diarrhea or constipation
• Significantly modify their eating habits
• Become obsessive about their weight
• Complain about their body on a regular basis

Bingers will exhibit sudden unexplained weight gain, they will often have food hidden away so they can binge eat in private and while they may appear to follow a weight loss programme their weight remains the same or increases.

If you think a loved one has one of these eating disorders try and discuss it with them calmly and encourage them to get medical advice. If they deny having a problem, get professional advice as to how to best handle the situation.