Eating Disorders
Understanding Symptoms and Finding Local Support
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, eating behaviors, and body image. They can have life-threatening physical and emotional consequences.
While eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, or background, they often develop in adolescence or young adulthood.
Common Types of Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa — Restricting food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image
- Bulimia Nervosa — Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
- Binge-Eating Disorder — Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging behaviors
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) — Symptoms that cause distress and impairment but do not meet the exact criteria for other eating disorders
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) — Limiting food intake for reasons unrelated to body image, often resulting in nutritional deficiencies
Depression often co-occurs with eating disorders. Anxiety disorders are also common in those with eating disorders.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms vary but may include:
- Dramatic weight loss or fluctuations
- Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape
- Skipping meals or extreme dieting
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in one sitting
- Exercising excessively
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Physical changes like hair loss, dizziness, or gastrointestinal problems
Causes and Risk Factors
Eating disorders often result from a combination of:
- Genetic factors
- Psychological factors such as perfectionism or low self-esteem
- Cultural and societal pressures
- History of trauma or bullying related to weight or appearance
- Co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
Health Risks
Eating disorders can affect every organ system, leading to serious complications such as:
- Kidney failure
- Osteoporosis
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Malnutrition
- Increased risk of suicide
Diagnosis
A licensed healthcare provider diagnoses eating disorders through:
- Medical evaluation
- Psychological assessment
- Review of eating behaviors, symptoms, and health history
Treatment and Recovery
Mental Wellness Center does not provide direct treatment for eating disorders. Local and national treatment options may include:
- Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and other evidence-based approaches
- Nutritional counseling – Guided by a registered dietitian
- Medical monitoring – To address and prevent complications
- Medication – When appropriate, to address co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety or depression
Recovery is possible with early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan.
Eating Disorder Resources
in Santa Barbara
We connect individuals and families to:
- Local therapists and dietitians experienced in eating disorder care
- Support groups for individuals and families
- Community-based wellness programs
Explore our mental health services directory to find local mental health specialists.
How Mental Wellness Center Can Help
- Offer referrals to local providers and national helplines
- Facilitate community programs that promote healthy body image and reduce stigma
Learn more about Mental Wellness Center’s mission to promote mental health for all.
We’re here for you.
Contact us to learn more or make an appointment. We may refer you to an educational group, a support group or one of our external partners.
To learn more about a specific mental health disorder,
go to: www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are eating disorders only about food?
No. They are complex mental health conditions often related to emotional, psychological, and social factors.
Q: Can eating disorders be cured?
With appropriate treatment and support, many people recover and lead healthy lives.
Q: Who is most at risk for developing an eating disorder?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, but risk is higher for those with a family history, perfectionistic tendencies, or exposure to weight-related bullying.
Q: Does Mental Wellness Center treat eating disorders?
No. We provide education and connect people with local and national treatment resources.
Q: Where can I find help in Santa Barbara?
Visit our Find Help directory, Support Groups page, or contact us for referrals to providers.
“You are not defined by your challenges, you’re defined by your courage to face them.”
Ramona Winner
MWC Family Advocate of 12 years