Eating Disorders and Exercise Addiction

In the HUB at Plymouth State University, the gentle whir of treadmills and elliptical machines flood the cardio theater, while music downstairs pumps from the aerobics studio. In the weight room, heavy metals clank together followed by grunts and sighs. One can’t help but notice that the number of gym participants has increased recently at Plymouth State College. Maybe it’s the prospect of warmer weather. Whatever the cause, now is the time many college students begin dieting and getting back into shape. With all this pressure to become “fit”, many college students may develop eating disorders or exercise addictions. Dr. Margaret Burckes-Miller, Professor of Health, estimates that nearly 400 to 500 Plymouth State University students suffer from eating disorders and exercise addictions.The National Eating Disorders Association states that five to ten percent of U.S. women past puberty have an eating disorder. Additionally, five percent of women in their twenties have anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.Eating disorders do not only affect females. One million men suffer from eating disorders as well. In fact, twenty to twenty five percent of reported eating disorder cases are males. And more men suffer from eating disorders overall than women suffer from anorexia nervosa.Eating disorders are defined as “extreme expressions of weight and food issues” by the National Eating Disorders Association. Symptoms include an increase or decrease in weight without relation to a medical condition; obsession over food, body, or exercise; feelings of guilt after eating or missing a workout; and vomiting, taking laxatives or diet pills, or fasting.Dr. Burckes-Miller says individuals with exercise addictions “take regular exercise to extremes, more than is necessary for health.” Symptoms include an obsession with working out, such as taking more than one trip to the gym or spending a long amount of time there. Generally, more than one hour of exercise a day can become addictive for some individuals. There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and muscle dysmorphia.According to the NEDA, anorexia nervosa is described as “self starvation and excessive weight loss.” Symptoms may include refusing to weigh at or above the minimally normal range for gender, age, and height; fear of gaining weight; and amenorrhea, in which women miss three consecutive menstrual cycles. Bulimia nervosa is defined as a “secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging.” Symptoms may include vomiting, using diets pills or laxatives, excessive exercise, or fasting; and feeling that one cannot control eating while binging, such as the amount or choice of food.Binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia nervosa, but is described as binge eating without purging, exercising excessively, or fasting. Someone with binge eating disorder may have normal or mildly, moderately, or severely obese body weight.Muscle dysmorphia, as defined by Dr. Burckes-Miller, is perceiving one’s body as too small, or not muscular enough. Individuals with muscle dysmorphia may exercise excessively, use steroids or supplements, or be on strict diets. Disordered eating, while not an official eating disorder, is when individuals’ attitudes concerning weight, food, and body size and shape affect their lifestyle. These disordered thoughts may lead them to strict diets and excessive exercise, which endangers their health and safety. Disordered eating may begin as dieting or working out to “get in shape”, but can become an obsession or eating disorder.Health professionals believe there are four primary causes of eating disorders: genetics, psychological factors, social-cultural influences, and interpersonal factors.Genetics plays a large part in the cause of eating disorders, as the rate of inheriting an eating disorder is 50 to 80 percent and relatives of those with eating disorders are eight times likelier to develop one themselves. Psychological issues that may contribute to eating disorders include low self esteem; feeling a lack of control over one’s life; and depression, loneliness, anxiety, or anger.Social-cultural issues may influence individuals to believe they must be a certain weight or body type to be considered “beautiful”. Statistics from the Education Training Research Organization say that the average woman is twenty three percent bigger than the average fashion model. The average woman stands at 5’4 and weighs 140 pounds, while the average fashion model stands at 5’9 and weighs 110 pounds.Interpersonal factors that contribute to eating disorders may include a stressed family or personal relations, a history of abuse, and trouble expressing oneself. Whatever the cause of eating disorders, the consequences are dire and may be life-threatening. Of all reported cases of eating disorders, only twenty five percent fully recover. Another fifty percent get better, with relapse at some point in life. Sadly, twenty five percent become very ill for life or die from suicide or medical conditions, such as heart attack. The longer an eating disorder goes on, the longer it may take to overcome it.Treatment for eating disorders may take approximately seven years, on average. Because eating disorders are multi-dimensional disorders, they require multi-dimensional treatment. The most effective treatment includes a combination of medical, psychiatric, and dietary care. They also target the symptoms of eating disorders, plus the causes.If you believe a friend is at risk for or has an eating disorder, it is necessary to do something immediately. Although conversations such as this may be uncomfortable, it is essential to your friend’s health. Dr. Burckes-Miller gives one suggestion to make the process easier. Using “I statements” avoids placing blame on the victim and keeps the conversation positive. You may start with, “I’ve noticed our friendship has become distant recently.” Dr. Burckes-Miller says this may produce an “Aha!” effect, where the victim realizes what you are saying is true. Another supportive idea when confronting someone with an eating disorder is to offer to go with them for treatment. You may also provide them with a number where they can get professional help. Before confronting a friend with an eating disorder, keep in mind that you may lose their friendship for awhile, as many victims may be in denial and refuse your help. However, it is still crucial to bring awareness to them, because otherwise, as Dr. Burckes-Miller points out, “they may never get noticed.”There are many places where individuals with eating disorders or exercise addictions may turn for help. On campus, the Plymouth State University Counseling Center, 536-2461, is a good place to start. From there, they may refer victims to an eating disorder specialist. Health Services at 535-2350 can also offer help. Nationally, there are confidential hotlines victims or friends of individuals with eating disorders may call to receive assistance. The National Eating Disorders Association Information and Treatment Referrals phone number is 1-800-931-2237. There are also a number of informative websites that offer help, such as CampusBlues.com; the Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center at www.edreferral.com; and the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.For students interested in learning more about eating disorders, there is a related course taught by Dr. Burckes-Miller here at PSU. Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education is a three credit undergraduate course that will be offered next fall. Students may also receive graduate credits for the course.Many college students face their deeply private, hidden eating disorders or exercise addictions everyday. Getting help for oneself or for a friend is critical to overall health, happiness, and safety.