Serene Karplus, Nederland. Decades ago, a “joke” circulated that if Mama Cass had shared her sandwich with Karen Carpenter, they might both still be alive. But, sadly, this is no joke.

All forms of eating disorders can be fatal, affecting health in multiple ways and placing nonstop strain on the body and brain. The lack of nutrition can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormone loss and electrolyte imbalances. Early treatment gives the greatest chance for a full recovery and it is critical for anyone with symptoms of an eating disorder to seek professional help.

Eating disorders are not some teenage girl’s passing phase. According to the American Psychiatric Association, millions of Americans suffer from an eating disorder and anyone can be affected. People of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, shapes and sizes can have an eating disorder.

Three forms of the disorder are widely recognized: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. We all know someone who suffers from one of them. If we recognize any of these symptoms in ourselves, we can take a hard look at how we might be doing ourselves harm and seek help. If we see it in friends and family, it remains a challenge to help them recognize certain behaviors as a disorder so they can revisit their belief structure and make the changes that will improve or even save their lives.

In this article we highlight only one of the three forms of the disorder and will discuss the other two in a future article.

Anorexia nervosa involves a severe restriction of calories, possibly with a fear of weight gain and imposing strict rules about eating. This process of starvation can affect most organ systems. Physical dangers include constipation, low heart rate and blood pressure, abdominal pain, dry skin, fine body hair and lack of menstrual periods. Anorexia also causes anemia, bone loss, kidney problems and changes in brain function.

Common signs of anorexia include: dramatic weight loss and refusal to maintain a body weight that is healthy; wearing baggy clothes or layers to hide body shape; preoccupation with weight, exercise and/or calories, food restriction and avoidance, belief life will be better if weight is lost, use of diet pills, laxatives and/or enemas, isolation and fear of eating with others, food rituals and secretive eating patterns, disposing of food in strange places, keeping a food diary or lists of calories and exercise, hair loss, sunken eyes, pale skin, dizziness and headaches, low self-esteem and need for approval from others, feeling cold, low blood pressure and heart rate, loss of menstrual cycle or irregular menstrual periods, constipation, stomach pain, perfectionist personality, loss of sexual desire, mood swings, depression, anxiety and/or fatigue and trouble sleeping.

Our Boulder County Area Agency on Aging offers mountain residents age 60+ a free one-hour private nutrition consultation with Registered Dietitian Patricia Murphy. Patti visits Nederland regularly to present nutrition information at our lunches and is available to meet individually. Please call 303-441-4710 for an appointment.

All ages of adults are welcome at all events. Sign up for all meals and events at 303-258-0799. Meals are served at the Nederland Community Center. Please call two days ahead for lunch reservations (more for dinners and breakfasts if possible). Missed the deadline? Call anyway. Please note that all age 60+ are welcome at meals regardless of ability to contribute financially.

(Originally published in the April 4, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)