Eating Disorders
"Every time I look in the mirror I see a fat girl, but my family tells me I am getting way too skinny and that I need to eat." - 13 year old
Eating or not eating to feel better about yourself, to avoid your feelings, or to try to feel like you’re in control is not healthy. This misuse of food is called an eating disorder. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. They are all serious emotional problems that can have life-threatening physical consequences.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA is characterized primarily by selfstarvation and excessive weight-loss. It can be very serious, even deadly. Most people with anorexia are thin but don’t see themselves that way. Weight is lost through fasting, excessive exercise, and/or purging.
Symptoms of Anorexia:
- Loss of at least 15% of body weight
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Distorted body image
- In females, loss of three consecutive menstrual periods
- Insistence of keeping weight below a healthy minimum
BULIMIA is characterized primarily by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging. After eating compulsively, a bulimic will throw up, take laxatives or pills to make the body lose water weight, engage in excessive exercise, or fast (eat no food at all). Negative effects include: ulcers, hernias, ruptured stomach or esophagus, dental problems, even heart attacks.
Symptoms of Bulimia:
- Repeated episodes of binge eating and purging
- Feeling out of control during a binge
- Purging after a binge
- Frequent dieting
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
COMPULSIVE OVEREATING is characterized primarily by periods of impulsive or continuous overeating and dieting resulting in recurrent weight gain and loss. Compulsive overeaters eventually become addicted to food, losing control over the amounts of food they eat. Compulsive overeaters are not always overweight. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.
Symptoms of Compulsive Overeating:
- Unable to control food intake
- Repeated attempts to diet, but weight is always gained back, plus additional pounds
- Feelings of guilt or shame after eating
- Eating for emotional comfort, to escape worries or trouble
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating sensibly in front of others, then bingeing when alone
EATING DISORDERS RESOURCES
213-470-7730David & Margaret Youth and Family Services
Website: www.thehealinghousela.com
Residential and outpatient treatment program for self-injury, eating disorders, and internet addiction.
310-457-9958Monte Nido Treatment Center
M-F 9am-5pm
Website: www.montenido.com
Residential treatment center designed and created by recovered professionals to heal women suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and exercise addiction.
800-931-2237National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
Website: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Office phone: 206-382-3587
Toll free helpline to connect people with resources, information, or referrals to national and local treatment providers.
323-653-7499Overeaters Anonymous (Los Angeles)
24 hours
Website: www.oalaig.org
Los Angeles: (323) 653-7652
Pasadena: (323) 460-2459
San Gabriel Valley: (626) 335-3355
San Fernando Valley: (818) 881-4776
South Bay: (562) 493-9030
For all types of eating disorders information and referrals to LA areas 12-steps meetings.
951-715-2080Overeaters Anonymous (RIVERSIDE)
24 hours recording
Website: www.oaiei.itgo.com
Provides information, literature and referrals to meetings within the community.
800-711-2062Rebecca's House
M-F 9am-5pm
Website: www.rebeccashouse.org
Programs and counseling for eating disorders as well as drug and alcohol abuse.
310-825-5730UCLA-Eating Disorders
M-F 8am-5pm Call for appointments
For parents of teens with eating disorders. Intensive outpatient program for eating disorders.
800-825-9989UCLA-Neuropsychiatric Hospital
M-F 8am-5pm
Services for UCLA students. Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. In addition to the above resources see Counseling section since most counseling agencies will treat people with eating disorders.
