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EATING DISORDERS
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Even though 96% of Wake Forest students have never been diagnosed with an eating disorder, the consequences of dangerous weight control behaviors can have devastating effects on young women.
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Recognizing a Student with a Potential Eating Disorder
The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (self-starvation) and bulimia (binge-eating and purging).
Common symptoms of anorexia include:
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- constipation and digestive problems
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- amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
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These symptoms may advance into increased susceptibility to infections, stress fractures due to osteoporosis, and weaknesses of the heart muscle that can be fatal.
People with bulimia
- are of average or slightly above average weight
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- usually do most of the binge-eating and purging secretly
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- have rapid weight gains and losses
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- purge through vomiting, abusing laxatives and diuretics, fasting, or over-exercising
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- often experience depressed mood
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- often experience medical problems including dehydration, constipation and digestive disorders, severe dental problems, and muscle weakness. Over time, ulcers and life-threatening heart irregularities may develop.
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Any of the above symptoms suggest an eating disorder. However, eating disorders are often masked by the student's secretiveness and by their obsessive perfectionism, represented by their need to "look good" to everyone around them.
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The University Counseling Center (x5273) and the Student Health Service (x5218) work with students either in the earlier stages of an eating disorder or those well into their recovery process, as well as with students who may have come to Wake Forest with a history of treatment for an eating disorder. For students in the acute stages of anorexia or bulimia, the Counseling Center can assist them in identifying more intensive treatment if needed.
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