Eating Disorders
Like Bulimia, Anorexia is also an eating disorder. Anorexia is marked by progressive, uncontrolled, weight loss, which can become severe and life threatening.
Causes
The causes of anorexia are not fully understood but a number of factors commonly seemed to be involved; combination of psychological, biological and sociocultural factors.
Symptoms
The most frequently noticed sign is the extreme thinness that characterizes someone with this eating disorder. Some other signs are:
- Dramatic weight loss; refusal to maintain the minimal normal body for one’s age and height
- Basing self-worth on body weight & image
- Frequent skipping of meals, with excuses for not eating
- Eating only a few foods, especially those low in fat and calories
- Making meals for others, but not eating the meals themselves
- Frequent weighing of oneself and focusing on tiny fluctuations in weight ; excessive focus on exercise regimen
- Wearing baggy clothing to cover up thinness
- Even when thin, complaining about being overweight
- Frequent looking in the mirror for flaws
- Avoidance of social gatherings where food is involved
- In females, missing 3 consecutive menstrual periods; in males, decreased sexual desire
Where to get Help
On-Campus
- Health Services → 564-3950
- Centre for Psychological Services → 562-5289
Off-Campus
- Hopewell Support Centre of Ottawa (Heartwood House) → 241-3428
- Ottawa Hospital - Eating Disorders/General Campus →(613) 737-8042
- Blossom Counselling and Consultation → (613) 290-5929
- Ottawa Eating Disorder Clinic → (613) 729-0801
- Overeaters Anonymous → (613) 820-5669
- Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (Adult Division) / Centre régional de traitement des troubles de l'alimentation → (613) 722-7000
- Regional Eating Disorder Programme, Children and Youth (18 years old and under) → (613) 738-5890
