Eating Disorder
Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa is a dangerous eating disorder associated with unreal and distorted body images. It is believed to be caused by mental disorder and results in severe weight loss and ultimately death if untreated and uncontrolled.
At Risk: 4 of 100,000 people, often Caucasian females of middle to upper class, highly "driven" families. It's usually associated with intense feelings or lack of control of one's life.
Observable Symptoms:
- 25% weight loss
- constipation
- can not tolerate being cold
- no menstruation ( periods)
- loss of muscle tone
- low blood pressure
- excessive dental cavities
- increased infections
- blotchy yellow skin
- extra dry hair
- unusual hair loss
- depression
What To Do:
It is a treatable condition. If you suspect that you or a loved one maybe suffering from anorexia or any other eating disorder please consult your doctor immediately. The SMCC Counseling Dept. would love to give you names of mental health professionals that can help as well. Call (602) 305-5608 if you would like to make an appointment to discuss this matter.
Bulimia
Bulimia is a condition characterized by uncontrolled overeating episodes followed by self-induced (voluntary) vomiting (purging). People affected by bulimia may experience some guilt for these practices, and fear of being discovered. They know bulimia is an unhealthy practice, and begin to lead secret lives to hide it. Bulimia is often associated with depression, and affects 1 in 10,000 people who are primarily female, Caucasian, and from middle to upper income families.
Observable Symptoms:
- Overactivity and frenetic activity
- Peculiar eating habits and eating rituals
- Normal or low body weight but see themselves as fat
- Lack of self-identity
- Depressed
- Overemphasis on physical image
- Binge eating
- Consistent Vomiting
- Excessive and unusual use of laxatives and diet pills
- Lack of menstrual periods
- Overachievement
- Dental cavities and gum infections (gingivitis)
Although many of the symptoms are normal adolescent/teen preoccupations, the frenetic activity, combined with eating rituals and strange eating habits may give you some clues to pre-bulimic or active bulimic behavior.
What to Do:
The best way to help someone with bulimia is to de-emphasize the cultural obsession with the importance of being thin. Do lots of encouragement and help boost self-esteem with words, hugs, and reassurance about his/her worth and inner beauty.
If you think you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from bulimia, please see a mental health professional immediately. SMCC counselors can refer you to support groups, counselors, and psychologists in the community that can help.
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Inborn Errors of Metabolism is a genetic disorder in which the body cannot sufficiently break down certain foods, specifically proteins, fat, and carbohydrates. It can result in other health problems because of a malnourished body. Some forms of
the disorder can be life threatening, but treatable. Familiar forms of Inborn Metabolism are lactose intolerance and fructose intolerance.
Symptoms vary on the type of individual intolerance
Observable Symptoms:
- Dietary changes will be necessary. What you do will also depend on the type of individual intolerance. If you suspect that you or a loved one maybe suffering from an inborn error of metabolism consult your physician.
Who to See:
SMCC's Dr. Jack Chisum, (an exercise physiologist), can also provide more in depth health information here on campus. See in the fitness center or call (602) 243-8248.
Other Resources