Things You Must Know About OSFED EATING DISORDER

by Kathy C. Freelancer

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.

osfed eating disorder

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

As a result of the atypical nature of OSFED diagnosis, it is most effective to follow the treatments recommended for the eating disorder that most closely resembles the individual person’s eating problem. For example, if a person presents with many but not all of the symptoms of bulimia nervosa, it is recommended for that person to seek the same treatment approaches recommended for people with bulimia nervosa