I haven't had any appetite lately. Could I have an eating disorder?
Where can I get help for anorexia and bulimia?
Can you tell me more about bulimia?
What are the pros and cons about eating disorders?

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QUESTION: i am 19 and about 7 and a half stones lately i dont have much of an appetite and i eat very little i can go all day on just a cup of tea and a packet of crisps. i feel tired all the time and have been sleeping alot i am also anemic i was just wondering if you could give me some idea of what could be wrong could i have an eating disorder i dont throw up or anything but just dont have an appetite i am also trying to concieve and i know this is not good for me i should be going to the doctors soon (April 8, 2004)

ANSWER: There could be many reasons why you do not have an appetite including any medications you are currently taking, stress, or other issues. Because your question is so vague and there may be many potential reasons for this, it would be recommended you see a nutritionist and a clinician. The UIC Wellness Center offers free nutrition consultations for UIC students. To schedule an appointment please call 413.2120.

There are many types of eating disorders including bulimia (binge and purge) and anorexia (near starvation). There are many psychological issues that usually go along with eating disorders and it would be recommended you see a psychologist if this is the case. The UIC Counseling Center has free counseling services for UIC students. To schedule an appointment call 996.3490.

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QUESTION: Where can one get help for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia?

ANSWER: Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are very complex. The UIC Counseling Center is available for individual appointments and is covered under your student health fee. To schedule an appointment with them please phone 996.3490. UIC does not offer any free clinical nutrition appointments (and it's not covered under the student insurance), therefore you may want to find a nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders.

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QUESTION: Can you tell me more about being bulimic?

ANSWER: Bulimia is a very serious eating disorder and should not be taken lightly. If you know someone whom you believe is bulimic or are bulimic yourself it is recommended you see a counselor in the Counseling Center in the SSB (312/996.3490) as soon as possible. If you are a UIC student this service is free.
Bulimia is a disorder where individuals binge and purge (not necessarily through vomiting).

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org), there are three primary symptoms, which include:
• Regular intake of large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behavior.
• Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise.
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape.
If you wish to find more information on the disorder, please visit the NEDA web site to learn about warning signs and health consequences.

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QUESTION: What are the pros and cons of eating disorders?

ANSWER: This is a very serious topic and it is recommended that if you know someone or you yourself feel you may have an eating disorder they should seek help immediately. If you are a UIC student, the following services are available on campus:

•Counseling Center (SSB): 312/996.3490

•In-Touch Hotline is available for students to talk about various issues
from 6:00pm - 10:30pm every night at 312/996.5535

•Office of Applied Psychological Services (BSB): 312/996.2540, press "0" to speak to someone.

•Eating Disorders Clinic out of the UIC Department of Psychiatry:
contact Ellen B. Astrachan-Fletcher, Ph.D at 312-355-1185

If the individual would like to seek services off-campus, s/he can receive referral information at the following web site:

http://www.edreferral.com/
This site also has good information on the different types of eating disorders as well as the effects it has on the individual as well as family and friends.
There is also a web video called "Dying to be Thin" that is about 45 minutes long anyone can watch online. The site to watch the video is http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin/