Eating Disorders Presentation

What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long- standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors.

What are they? People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one’s life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control.

Types of eating disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

Dying to be Thin Written, Produced and Directed by Larkin McPhee; a NOVA production (2000)

Anorexia Nervosa: What is it? Eating Disorders: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Produced and Edited by Constance M. Jones (2004)

Anorexia Nervosa: Warning Signs Characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Symptoms include: Dramatic weight loss Refusal to eat certain foods or food categories (e.g. no fats, no carbs) Consistent excuses to avoid situations involving food Excessive and rigid exercise routine Withdrawal from usual friends/relatives

Anorexia nervosa Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level Intense fear of weight gain or being “fat” Feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss Loss of menstrual periods Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Health Risks with Anorexia Heart failure Kidney failure Low protein stores Digestive problems Electrolyte imbalance

Bulimia Nervosa: What is it? Eating Disorders: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Produced and Edited by Constance M. Jones (2004)

Bulimia Nervosa: Warning Signs Wrappers/containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food Frequent trips to bathroom after meals Signs of vomiting e.g. staining of teeth, calluses on hands Excessive and rigid exercise routine Withdrawal from usual friends/relatives Source: National Eating Disorders Association Website

Bulimia Characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food--more than most people would eat in one meal--in short periods of time, then getting rid of the food and calories through vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising. Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging Feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness

Bulimia Purging after a binge, (typically by self- induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting) Frequent dieting Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Health Risks with Bulimia Electrolyte imbalance Laxative dependence Dental problems Stomach rupture Menstruation irregularities

Binge Eating Disorder: What is it? Eating Disorders: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Produced and Edited by Constance M. Jones (2004)

Binge Eating Disorder: Warning Signs Wrappers/containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food MAY be overweight for age and height MAY have a long history of repeated efforts to diet-feel desperate about their difficulty to control food intake MAY eat throughout the day with no planned mealtimes Source: National Eating Disorders Association Website

Binge Eating Disorder/ Compulsive Overeating Characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings of shame or self- hatred after a binge. People who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.

Health Risks with Binge Eating Disorder High blood pressure High cholesterol Gall bladder disease Diabetes Heart disease Certain types of cancer

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) NOS category is for disorders of eating that do not meet the criteria for any specific Eating Disorder Examples include: ◦ For females, all of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except that the individual has regular menses OR despite significant weight loss the individual’s current weight is in the normal range. Source: Adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Excessively concerned about an imagined defect in appearance Muscle Dysmorphia Obsess about being small and underdeveloped

Why do people develop eating disorders? Behaviors are unhealthy coping mechanisms  Factors to consider  Psychological  Interpersonal  Social/Cultural  Biological

Psychological factors Low self-esteem Feelings of inadequacy or failure Feeling out of control Response to change (puberty) Response to stress (sports, dance) Personal illness

More psychological factors: Vulnerable Personality Characteristics Identity difficulties Need for approval Perfectionist Obsessive tendencies Irrational thinking Difficulty coping Inability to accept self

Interpersonal Factors Troubled family and personal relationships Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight History of physical or sexual abuse

Social and Cultural Factors Cultural pressures that glorify thinness and place value on obtaining the perfect body Narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths

Barbie and Bodies Seven feet tall 38 inch chest 21 inch waist 36 inch hips Virtually unattainable for an adult woman

G. I. Joe 1970-GI Joe was 5 ft. 10 inches, 32 inch waist and 12 inch upper arms inch waist and 16 ½ inch arms

Biological Factors Eating disorders often run in families (learn coping skills and attitudes in family) Genetic component—research about brain and eating in taking place (certain chemicals in the brain control hunger, appetite and digestion have been found unbalanced). Source:

Consequences of eating disorders -Tearing up the mind and body -Mind- distorted and obsessive thoughts regarding food, exercise, body image, -Takes over your life—loss of life in other areas: social, financial, spiritual, professional, academic -Anything that pulls you out of balance can destroy your life—or at least make it miserable -Physical-amenorrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, dry skin, long lasting disruptions of normal bowel functioning Source: Academy For Eating Disorders

Treatment options Help comes in different forms including : Psychotherapy Support or self-help groups Medical treatment Nutritional treatment Medication Hospitalization Help is available. Get help if you need it. Encourage a loved one to get help if they need it.

A little more personal now…

Deciding If You Abuse Food I often deal with difficult feelings with food I think constantly about my weight and appearance I give too much time and thought to food I have lied or been secretive about my eating behavior I have gone on eating binges that I felt I might not be able to stop I have used vomiting, laxatives, water pills, and/or diet pills to control my weight

How to Help Family and Friends “Tips for Talking to a Friend Who May Be Struggling with an eating Disorder” *Set a time to talk *Communicate your concerns *Ask your friend to explore these concerns *Avoid conflicts or a ballet of the wills *Avoid placing shame, blame, or guilt *Avoid giving simple solutions *Express your continued support Knowledge Awareness Support Boundaries By National Eating Disorders Association

Body Image Not the entire solution, but if we have a healthy, realistic body image we are less prone to use food as a way to cope with our emotions, stress and problems.