Eating disorders are serious emotional challenges that can have life threatening consequences. These disorders occur when eating habits, weight management practices and attitudes about weight and body shape result in loss of self-control, obsession, anxiety, guilt, alienation from self and others, and physiological imbalances. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating.

People suffering from anorexia develop an irrational fear of body fat and weight gain and exhibit a fierce determination to become thinner. Bulimia is a characterized by cycles of binge-eating, during which the person consumes a huge amount of food, and purging, often induced by vomiting. Compulsive overeaters engage in periods of gorging or continuous eating, frequently followed by attempts at dieting.

Six Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

1. A sudden increase or decrease in weight.
2. Abnormal eating habits.
3. An intense preoccupation with weight and body image.
4. Compulsive or excessive exercising.
5. Self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills or diuretics.
6. Feelings of isolation, depression or irritability.  

Three Things Not to Say

1. “What’s the matter with you? You look sick!”
2. “Why don’t you just eat?”
3. “Why are you doing this to me?”  

Helping Prevent Eating Disorders

1. Celebrate the wonder of God’s creative genius. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
2. Examine society’s overemphasis on beauty and body shape.
3. Resist the media’s distortion of what is attractive.
4. Demonstrate the value of excellent nutrition.
5. Balance sensible eating with sensible exercise.
6. Build self-acceptance by non-judgmental acceptance.
7. Don’t try to solve the challenge alone; seek professional help.

From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.