Things You Must Know About OSFED EATING DISORDER
What Is OSFED Eating Disorder?
A person
mainly with OSFED may present with many of the symptoms of other eating
disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder
but will not meet the full criteria for the diagnosis of these disorders. OSFED eating disorder is the most
common eating disorder diagnosed for adults as well as adolescents and affects
both males and females.
What Are The Warning Signs Of OSFED?
Basically,
someone with OSFED may display a combination of the following symptoms. So,
seeking help at the first warning sign is much more effective than waiting
until the illness is in full swing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting
some or a combination of these signs it is vital to seek help and need an as
soon as possible. Someone with OSFED
eating disorder may display any combination of the following warning signs.
Physical Signs
·
Weight
loss, weight gain or weight fluctuations
·
Loss
of or disturbance of menstrual periods in girls and women and decreased libido
in men
·
Compromised
immune system (e.g. getting sick more often)
·
Mainly
signs of damage due to vomiting including swelling around the cheeks or jaw,
calluses on knuckles, damage to teeth and bad breath
·
Fainting
and dizziness as a result of dehydration
Psychological Signs
·
Preoccupation
with food and eating
·
Extreme
body dissatisfaction
·
Having
a distorted body
·
Usually
sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape or exercise
·
Heightened
anxiety and/or irritability around meal times
·
Depression,
anxiety or irritability
·
Low
self-esteem and feelings of shame, self-loathing or guilt
·
Always
'black and white’ thinking - rigid thoughts about food being ‘good’ or ‘bad’
Behavioral Signs
·
Dieting
behavior (e.g. fasting, mainly counting calories/kilojoules, avoiding food
groups such as fats and carbohydrates);
·
Evidence
of binge eating (e.g. disappearance or hoarding of food)
·
Regular
trips to the bathroom during or shortly after meals which could be evidence of
vomiting or laxative use
·
Compulsive
or excessive exercising (e.g. basically exercising in bad weather, continuing
to exercise when sick or injured, and experiencing distress if exercise is not
possible)
·
All-time
eating at unusual times and/or after going to sleep at night
What Are The Risks Associated
With OSFED?
The
risks associated with OSFED are severe. So, people with OSFED will experience
risks similar to those of the eating disorder their behaviors most closely
resemble:
·
Mainly
inflammation and rupture of the esophagus and stomach from frequent vomiting
·
Chronic
constipation or diarrhea
·
Kidney
failure
·
Irregular
or slow heartbeat which can lead to an increased risk of heart failure
·
Loss
of or disturbance of menstrual periods in girls and women
·
Increased
risk of infertility in men and women
OSFED Eating Disorder Treatment
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