Signs & Symptoms of Anorexia and Bulimia
An alarming trend within the internet world is the popularity of pro-ana and pro-mia sites that are frequented by women (and sometimes men) who are obsessed with the pursuit of thinness to the extreme. These sites offer “helpful” suggestions for those who desire to learn how to starve themselves or purge after eating, as well as “peer support and encouragement” from ana/mia sisters as they all attempt to reach their “ideal” weight.
True Hope Counseling online counseling offers an alternative to these sites, that in
essence, are teaching people how to die. Conversely, True Hope Counseling teaches those who
are in bondage to Eating Disorders (Eds) how to find hope and freedom, and as a
result, find an abundant life full of joy and peace!
At True Hope Counseling, Melissa is the primary counselor for those with EDs, having
experienced both anorexia and bulimia for 10 years. Online counseling involves
establishing a trusting relationship with the client in addition to using an
integration of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies. Melissa also
introduces the client to concepts found in the Weigh-Down Diet ("eat when
hungry, stop when full"). As an additional supplement, Melissa also uses Neil
Anderson resources such as “Who I am in Christ” in order to help the client gain
an understanding of how God views them and, as a result, how their personal
life-style, including eating habits, can change because of this understanding.
True Hope Counseling also networks with Remuda Ranch ( www.remudaranch.com ), a Christian in-patient eating disorder clinic in Arizona, for both pre-counseling and post-counseling work with clients as they seek intensive in-patient help for their struggle with their ED.
| Symptoms of Anorexia | Symptoms of Bulimia |
| Note: If you are aware of a friend or family member who is displaying these symptoms, please find them help immediately. Anorexia and Bulimia can lead to death if left un-addressed! | |
| Dramatic weight loss (15% of normal body weight) | An abnormal consumption of calories in one sitting |
| Complaints of being fat, although weight is average or below average | Purging of calories consumed through vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics. |
| Obsession with continuous exercise | Also may use ipecac syrup (which may lead to death) and enemas. |
| Unusual food rituals | Calluses and “burns” on the back of the hand or knuckles (from using fingers to purge) |
| Visible food restriction | Using fat burners, fat trappers, caffeine pills, etc. |
| Hiding food in unusual places | Secretive binge eating, sometimes several times a day |
| Dizziness and headaches | Appearance of being distracted (pre-binge/purge) |
| Hair loss | Appearance of being dazed (post-purge) |
| Pale or “grey” appearance to skin | Presence of wrappers, such as laxatives/diuretics |
| Self-defeating statements after eating | Electrolyte imbalance |
| Low self-esteem; feelings of worthlessness | Stained/discolored teeth |
| Preoccupation with cooking, baking, cooking shows, but little food consumption | Unusual swelling in the cheeks/jaw |
| Isolation | Average or even about average in weight |
| Loss of menstrual cycle | Obsessive exercise. |
| Perfectionism/driven behavior | |
| Complaints of always being cold | |
| Frequent visits to pro-ana/mia sites, blog rings, etc | |