Eating disorders from a primary care perspective

Eating disorders are second only to asthma and obesity in prevalence among teenage girls. Dysfunctional ideas about body image, depression, poor self-esteem, and other conditions may predispose people of either gender to starve themselves or binge on food, then purge. Sustained anorexia may stop normal menstruation, and bulimics may develop significant dental decay if they routinely vomit. Primary care physicians can initiate a food diary, teach normal eating and weight goals, and facilitate specialist consultation when necessary. Hospitalization may be required when weight loss is severe.