Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders
What are the main eating disorders?
| Disturbance | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Anorexia nervosa, restrictive type | Severe dietary restriction, absence of purging behaviors |
| Anorexia nervosa with binge-purge episodes | Restriction with episodes of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives) |
| Bulimia nervosa | Recurrent food crises followed by compensatory behaviors, often normal weight |
| Binge eating disorder | Food crises without compensatory behaviors, often associated with being overweight |
| ARFID | Avoidance or restriction of food without body image distortion, often in children |
What are the warning signs?
Eating disorders are often hidden by the person affected, which delays diagnosis. Certain signs can alert those around them or their doctor:
- Significant weight loss or significant weight fluctuations without an identified medical cause
- Excessive preoccupation with food, calories, dieting, or «healthy» eating»
- Avoiding family or group meals, unusual eating rituals
- Excessive, compulsive sports practice, experienced as an obligation
- Negative and distorted body image, persistent body dissatisfaction
- Regular bowel movements after meals
- Chronic fatigue, dizziness, brittle nails and hair, amenorrhea in women
- Irritability, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating related to caloric restriction
What are the possible medical complications?
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can lead to numerous physical complications, some of which can be life-threatening:
| System | Possible complications |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, risk of cardiac arrest |
| Bony | Osteopenia, osteoporosis, stress fractures, growth retardation in adolescents |
| Hormonal | Amenorrhea, hypoestrogenism, infertility, thyroid dysfunction |
| Digestive | Gastroparesis, severe constipation, esophageal lesions (vomiting) |
| Metabolic | Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, protein-calorie malnutrition |
| Dental | Dental enamel erosion related to repeated vomiting |
Who is concerned?
Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical appearance. Some factors are associated with an increased risk:
- Family history of eating disorders or anxiety and depressive disorders
- Perfectionism, low self-esteem, high need for control
- Repeated exposure to unrealistic body ideals via media and social media
- Practice of sports or activities that promote a slim body (dance, gymnastics, synchronized swimming, endurance sports)
- History of trauma, abuse, or stressful life events
- Early puberty or difficulty adapting to body changes
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes dietary history, associated behaviors, mental status, and a medical assessment. No single laboratory test can confirm the diagnosis on its own, but additional tests are necessary to assess the physical effects of malnutrition or purging behaviors.
What are the support options?
The treatment of eating disorders is multidisciplinary and tailored to the severity of the disorder, the individual’s medical condition, and their specific needs:
- Regular medical follow-up to monitor biological parameters and nutritional status
- Psychotherapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy for adolescents, and other evidence-based approaches
- Nutritional monitoring by a professional specializing in eating disorders
- Intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization depending on severity
- Hospitalization in a specialized setting if the medical or psychiatric situation requires it
- Support from friends and family, a key element in the recovery process
Available resources in Quebec
If you or a loved one are showing signs of an eating disorder, several specialized resources are available in Quebec. The Anorexia and Bulimia Quebec (ANEB) helpline can be reached at 1 800 630-0907, free of charge, for anyone in difficulty or seeking information.
Consult at Clinique Omicron
Clinique Omicron physicians, at their service points in Quebec, can perform an initial medical evaluation, prescribe appropriate biological tests, and coordinate a referral to specialized eating disorder teams. A medical consultation is the first step to obtaining tailored and structured support.
The content of this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Consult a physician for any symptoms, questions or decisions you may have regarding your health.
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