Q & A

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Here are some frequently asked questions to get you started!

Q: Does an eating disorder always mean you are underweight or overweight?

A: Actually, you can have an eating disorder and be within a normal weight range. Typically, those who are suffering from bulimia (binge-eating and purging) are more likely to appear to be at a healthy body weight.

Q: What causes an eating disorder?

A: There are typically many factors at play including genetics, environment, pressures to diet/lose weight, and social pressures to be thin.

Q: Do people with bulimia always vomit their meals?

A: Not necessarily. Those who suffer from bulimia do follow a binge-purge cycle, but may purge through overexercise or abuse of laxatives or diet pills.

Q: What are some eating disorder warning signs?

A: There usually isn't one sign that proves an eating disorder. Keep an eye out for obsessive weight/diet/calorie talk, as well as a pattern of decreased food consumption or overexercise. Also, look out for binge-eating of calorie dense foods proceeding a "calorie cleanse."

Q: What's the difference between overeating and binge-eating?

A: Everyone will overeat on occasion, typically on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Binge-eating is characterized by a lack of self-control around food. Binging typically occurs in secret and is associated with feelings of guilt, depression, and embarrassment. Bingers will usually eat very quickly and until they are uncomfortably full.