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Eating disorders are defined as eating habits that are hurtful to an individual; at times resulting in death. They currently affect approximately 24 Million Americans. In addition, approximately 70 million individuals worldwide struggle with these disorders. An estimated 480,000 individuals die every year from complications related to eating disorders. Eating disorders do not discriminate between gender,class, race or age. Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years old and in adults as old as ninety. However, the typical age of onset is anywhere from 12-18 years of age.
Eating disorders have been present in children as young as three years old and in adults as old as ninety. However, the typical age of onset is anywhere from 12-18 years of age. Contrary to popular belief, an eating disorder is not solely based on food. There are many contributing factors that lead to the emergence of an eating disorder.
Loss of control, anxiety and/or depression, sexual abuse, genetics, family emotional problems, a high need for perfection, the media, and a refusal to grow up are just some of the possible factors, although no defined cause has been established.
The three most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa (self-starvation), Bulimia Nervosa (binge-purge), and Binge Eating Disorder (bingeing). Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified has recently emerged due to the fact that many people may have variations of disordered eating, yet, they cannot meet full diagnostic criteria forAnorexia and/or Bulimia. An eating disorder can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time, and if it is recognized, denial usually follows and the disorder goes untreated. If you think you or someone you know has developed an eating disorder,please do not deny that a problem exists and try to get professional help as soon as possible.The earlier an eating disorder is detected and treated,the quicker the recovery.Learn as much as you can about eating disorders,and do not be afraid to talk to someone about it. Major health hazards including death may occur if an eating disorder goes undetected and/or untreated. Help is available and recovery is definitely possible.

Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa (self-starvation) is disorder that deals with the intense fear of gaining weight, with a refusal to eat. An anorectic will weigh 85% or less of her/his ideal body weight. Anorexia is usually found in high achievers that are extreme perfectionists in all areas of life. Regardless of how thin and emaciated anorectics may become, she/he is firmly convinced that they are tremendously overweight (much like how one sees their reflection in a funhouse mirror).
Contrary to popular belief, anorexia is not solely based on food. Loss of control, anxiety and/or depression, sexual abuse, guilt, genetics, family emotional problems, the media, change, and a need for attention are just some of the possible components that may lead to the development of anorexia.
Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia:
-Distorted Body Image (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)
-Intense fear of gaining weight
-Feelings of guilt after eating
-Is already thin and weight is still dropping
-Cessation of a period for three consecutive cycles
-Counts every calorie and fat gram that is eaten
-Counts every calorie and fat gram that is eaten
-Paleness, dizziness, or fainting spells
-Gaunt appearance
-Intense, dramatic mood swings
-Excessively and compulsively exercises
-Constant complaints of being cold
-Hair loss
-A high need for control
-Wearing loose clothing
-Exhaustion and Fatigue
-Hides uneaten food
-Abuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics
-Very poor self-esteem
-Never eats around others
Medical Complications of Anorexia:
-Amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual cycle)
-Kidney stones and/or failure
-Chronic constipation
-Memory loss and disorientation
-Shrunken organs
-Fluid and Electrolyte imbalances
-Deterioration of muscles (including the heart)
-Slow, irregular heartbeat
-DEATH Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa: (binge-purge) is characterized by episodes of bingeing and purging. An individual on a binge can consume calories ranging from 1,000-60,000 in a single sitting over a 1 - 2 hour span. Feelings of panic and guilt will set in and the individual soon realizes that she/he must purge the calories by means of vomiting, excessive use of diuretics and laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercising. As opposed to anorexia nervosa, a bulimic usually maintains a normal body weight with only a slight fluctuation. The individual will feel completely out of control and abnormal, and conger up feelings of depression, shame and self-deprecation.
However, it is important to remember that the bulimic cycle becomes extremely habitual and addictive, and is very difficult to break. The typical age onset of bulimia is late teens and early twenties
Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia:
-Binging and Purging
-Secretive Eating: Missing Food
-Severe self-criticism
-Feelings of guilt after eating
-Visits to the bathroom after meals
-Weight fluctuations (10-20 lbs.)
-Tooth decay
-Avoids eating in public, in front of others
-High levels of anxiety and/or depression
-Preoccupation with food
-Swollen glands in neck & puffiness in cheeks

Binge Eating
Binge eating disorder (bingeing) is still a relatively new diagnosed eating disorder. It is estimated that more individuals battle with this eating disorder than with any of the others. This disorder is similar to bulimia in regards to consuming large quantities of food while feeling a complete lack of control. However, different from bulimia, the individual will not purge the food that was consumed during the binge. When in the binge, he/she no longer feels full and will continue to eat until the point of uncomfortable pain. Following the binge comes feelings of guilt and shame, followed by anxiety and even depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
- Rapid weight gain
- Eating large quantities of food even when not hungry
- Disgust and shame after overeating
- Depressed and anxious mood
- Eating food to the point that one is uncomfortable and even in pain
-Going from one diet to the next constantly
- Feeling out of control over food
-Eating late at night
-Hiding food around the home, anticipating the binge
-Does not use any measures (whatsoever) to purge the binged food
-Constant weight fluctuations
-Sexual avoidance
-Exhibits an abnormally low self-esteem
-Attributes any successes or failures to weight
-Avoids many social situations
- Uses food as a "drug": self-medicate

How To Help A Loved One......
DO'S
1. Increase your knowledge about eating disorders (request information packets, read books, attend seminars).
2. Talk with the person about your concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is important to discuss these issues with honesty and respect.
3.Talk with the person at an appropriate time and place - in private, free from distractions.
4. Encourage the person to seek professional help as soon as possible. Suggest that she/he see someone who specializes in eating disorders (a physician, therapist or dietician).
5. Be prepared that the person may deny that she/he has a problem. If so, and if she/he refuses to get help, it will be important to tell someone else about your concerns. If your friend is under 18, her/his parents need to know immediately.
6. Listen with a nonjudgmental ear.
7. Talk about things other than food, weight, and exercise.
8. Be available when your friend needs someone, but remember, it is okay to set limits on what you can and cannot do.
9. Hang in there! It won't be easy

DONT'S
1. Don't try to solve her/his problems or help with the eating disorder on your own. Get help from others.
2. Don't confront your friend with a group of people, in front of a group of people.
3. Don't talk about weight, food, calories, or appearance. Do not make any comments on what she/he looks like.
4. Don't try to force or encourage your friend to eat. Do not get into power struggles.
5. Don't let her/his peculiarities dominate you or manipulate you.
6. Don't gossip about her/him to others.
7. Don't be scared to talk with her/him.
8. Don't expect to be the perfect friend - Reach out for support when you need it.
9. Don't expect your friend to be "cured" after treatment. Recovery can be a long process.
10. Don't keep this a secret for your friend. Remember, her/his life may be in danger.

Dieting...
Did you know that by the time children reach the fourth grade; approximately 80% of them will have been on a diet at least once? (Time Magazine) The diet industry alone makes at least 50 billion dollars a year in revenue. You know what the irony is? 90% of all people that lose weight on diets will regain it in the following two years (and will probably gain additional weight as well). Also, The most common behavior that will lead to an eating disorder is dieting. DIETS DO NOT WORK!!!
Diets do not work for multiple reasons. The biggest reason is when you diet, you are inevitably going to restrict or cut something out. If you were asked to think of any color, but the color red, what is the first the color you would think of? Red - right? Well, that is similar to how the restrictive angle of a diet works. If you are trying to cut out a specific type of food (i.e., carbohydrates, fats, etc.) or even caloric intake, isn't it what you are going to be craving the most? It is simple (restriction): dieting leads to binge eating.
There are also repercussions to cutting things out of your daily diet. For example, if you cut out starches, your body will lose its source of constant energy, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. If you cut out meats or protein, you are at risk of developing an iron deficiency. And what if you decide to skip meals or decrease your calorie intake? Well, you are risk of lowering your metabolism.
And what about those miracle pills that say they cut the fat out of foods or those drinks that promise to make your lose 10 pounds in 48 hours? They do not work! If they did, everyone would take them, right? All those diets (pills, liquids, etc.) are quick fixes and in the long run, they end up doing more harm than good.
The answer is to adapt a healthy lifestyle. First, you must learn that there are NO bad foods. You must keep moderation in mind, and remember you MUST nourish your body. Second, learn to really pay attention to your body and it's signs. Eat when you are genuinely hungry (not when you are bored, stressed, etc.), and stop when you are full (do not feel compelled to eat something just because it is in front of you). However, you MUST feed yourself. Skipping meals as a means of controlling your weight may cause malnourishment and your metabolism to slow. Lastly, you must incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Not only is it good for weight maintenance, it will make you feel good (exercise is a natural mood enhancer).
Make sure to eat wisely and exercise. The less likely you start your first fad diet, the less likely you will fall into the vicious dieting cycle and be trapped, or even more dangerous: develop an eating disorder.

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Information for Parents...
Eating disorders not only affect the individual suffering, but those around them as well " specifically parents. Parents want so much to help their beloved child, but often times anything they may say will be met with anger, frustration, denial, or just plain avoidance.
DO NOT DENY A PROBLEM EXISTS!
So often, a parent cannot believe that their child is capable of hurting himself/herself by means of an eating disorder. Since eating disorders are so secretive, manipulative, and/or occur among perfectionists, it is very difficult to see that a problem exists. Here are some of the most common warning signs associated with Anorexia , Bulimia and, Binge Eating Disorder. If your child displays any/all of the following signs and symptoms, seek help immediately. The earlier the intervention, the more likely the recovery.

Helpful Hints:
1. Never engage in power struggle over food. YOU WILL NOT WIN!
2. Keep the lines of communication open with your child.
3. If your therapist/counselor suggests family and/or couples counseling, DO IT.
4. Keep in mind your own behaviors and attitudes towards food, weight, and coping skills.
5. Educate yourself about eating disorders.
Just because your child develops an eating disorder, it DOES NOT mean you have failed as a parent. Try not to blame yourself and realize that there are many causes that contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Remember to focus ..ing your child get better and be proactive. There is help available.

Tips on how to prevent an eating disorder in your child:
1. Teach your child/children that there is more to a person than the physique. It is what's on the inside that truly counts.
2. Avoid negative statements and teasing about weight, body shape and size.
3. Teach your child/children that there are no "good" or "bad" foods. All foods are great in moderation.
4. Encourage physical activities for fun and join them. (I.e. bike ride, nature walk, etc.)
5. Model and encourage healthy eating in front of your child/children (not dieting).
6. Do not use food as a reward or a positive reinforcement.
7. Educate yourself about recognizing the warning signs of an eating disorder.
8. Compliment your child/children on their talents, accomplishments, intelligence, and values.
9. As a parent, it is up to you to be a healthy role model. Children are easily influenced. If they constantly hear you complain about your weight or needing to be on a diet, they will learn similar behaviors.
10. Do not force your child/children to eat or not eat. Do not engage in power struggles.
11. Never hold your child/children back from activities because of the type of clothes needed (I.e. bathing suit).
12. Make your mealtimes pleasant experiences.
13. Teach your child/children to listen to their own hunger. Encourage eating when they are hungry and stopping when they are full.
14. Always make sure that there is open line of communication available between you and your child/children.
15. Teach your child/children to love themselves for who they are and as they are..

SUGGESTED READINGS FOR PARENTS ABOUT EATING DISORDERS
1) Help for Eating Disorders: A Parent's Guide to Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
By Debra Katzman and Dr. Leora Pinhaus, Hospital for Sick Children, 2005;
2) Helping Your Teenager Beat An Eating Disorder By James Lock and Daniel Le Grange, c2004
3) Helping Your Child Overcome an Eating Disorder: What You Can Do At Home
By Bethany Teachyman, Marlele Schwarts, Bonnie Gordic, Brenda Coyle, New Harbinger Publications, c2003
4) The Parent's Guide to Childhood Eating Disorders By Nancy Herrin and Nancy Matsumoto, Henry Holt and Company, New York, c2002
5) Anorexia Nervosa: A survival guide for families, friends and sufferers By Janet Treasure - Psychology Press, England, c 1997
6) Surviving An Eating Disorder: Strategies for Family and Friends By Michele Siegel, Judith Brisman, Margot Weinshel, Harper Collins, c1997
7) Bulimia: A guide for family and friends By R. Sherman - California: Josey Bass, c1990
8) Anorexia and Bulimia: Your questions answered By Julia Buckroyd - Element Books Ltd., c1996
9) When Your Child Has An Eating Disorder - A step-by-step workbook for parents and caregivers By Abigail H. Natenshon - Josey Bass Publishers, c1999
10) Father Hunger: Fathers and daughters and food By Margo Maine - Carlsbad CA: Gurze Books, c1991; revised 2004
11) Dads & Daughters: How to Inspire, Understand and Support Your Daughter By Joe Kelly - Broadway Books, c2002
12) Afraid to Eat: Children and teens in weight crisis By Frances M Berg - Healthy Weight Publishing Network, c1997
13) Food Fight: a guide to eating disorders for pre-teens and their parents By Janet Bode - New York: Simon & Shuster, c1997
14) Is Your Child Dying to be Thin? Workbook By Saura J. Goodman - Pittsburgh, PA: Dorance Publishing Co. Ltd, c1992
15) A Parent's Guide to Eating Disorders and Obesity By Martha M. Jablow - Dell Publishing, c1992
16) Freeing Someone You Love from an Eating Disorder By Mary D. Eades - New York, Perigee, c1993
17) A Parent's Guide to Anorexia and Bulimia By Katherine Byrne - Centre City, Minn: Hazeldon, c1995

ADVOCACY NYS Assembly (www.assembly.state.ny.us)
Bill # A03182 (introduced by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt)
This bill was introduced to take Ipecac Syrup as an Over the Counter drug and make it into a prescription in NYS - hindering its abuse potential in eating disorders.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE:
1. Contact your local Assemblymember to urge them to support the important legislation
2. Contact Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee. His support is vital if this bill is going to get out of committee and onto the floor for a vote.gottfrr@assembly.state.ny.us

U.S. House of Representatives (www.house.gov)
1.The Eating Disorder Awareness, Education and Prevention Act of 2005 (H.R.49)
This bill was introduced to ;improve identification of students with eating disorders; increase awareness of such disorders among parents and students; and train educators with respect to effective eating disorder prevention and assistance methods.
2. The Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable treatment Act of 2005 (H.R. 1402)
This was introduced to provide for equal coverage of mental health benefits with respect to health insurance coverage unless comparable limitations are imposed on medical and surgical benefits.
U.S. Senate (www.senate.gov)
Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act or the "Impact Act" (S.1325) Amends the Public Health Service Act to address issues of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE:
1. Thank the sponsors and cosponsors for their support
2. Ask your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the bill and work for its passage
3. Contact BOTH of your U.S. Senators and ask for their support, and to sponsor a companion bill for this legislation.
Make a Difference: Write to your Senators and Congressmen
Here is a SAMPLE letter you can use to get the support from our local legislators
Dear Legislator / Representative [Name of your Legislator or Representative]:
I live and vote in your state. I am urging you to co-sponsor and support the [ NAME OF SPECIFIC ACT]. It is vital to pass this bill to [EXPLAIN DEFINITION OF ACT] This bill is necessary to help the millions of Americans that struggle with eating disorders, and their families and friends who also become victims of this mental illness. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and hundreds of thousands of victims suffer throughout their lives because of lack of specific information regarding issues of awareness, prevention and treatment of eating disorders.
Thank you for all your hard work and support.
Sincerely, [Your Name]: