Eating Disorders

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a compulsion to eat, or avoid eating, that negatively affects both one's physical and mental health. Eating disorders arise from a combination of long-standing psychological, interpersonal, and social conditions

Things that contribute to the development of an eating disorder:  Feeling of inadequacy  Depression  Anxiety  Loneliness  As well as troubled family and personal relationships.

Some Statistics About Eating Disorders Nearly half of all Americans know someone with an eating disorder. Approximately 11 percent of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. 50% of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 see themselves as overweight

Some Statistics About Eating Disorders The Eating Disorders Association (EDA) answered more than 18,000 calls on their help line last year and many people were unable to get through due to the amount of calls. The incidence of eating disorders has doubled since the 1960s and is increasing in younger age groups, in children as young as seven.

There are 3 types of eating disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia: is an eating disorder in which a person starves himself or herself and has a weight that is 15% or more below normal.

Anorexia Nervosa Occurs most often among females teens and young women, but occurs in males as well.

Risks of Anorexia Nervosa Malnutrition Damage to kidneys, heart, and other body organs. Growth of excess body hair to keep the body warm Fatigue and weakness Stomach pain and constipation Dull and yellow skin Dull hair or hair loss Absence of menstruation for females.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa Include: Refusal to maintain weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height and age. Distorted body image.  Extreme concern with body weight and shape.  Intense fear of weight gain.

Warning Signs of a Anorexia Nervosa Dramatic weight loss in a relatively short period of time. Obsession with calories and fat content of foods. Obsession with continuous exercise. Visible food restriction and self-starvation. Fear of eating around and with others. Self-defeating statements after food consumption.

Warning Signs Continued Perfectionist personality. Feeling worthless Mood swings. Depression. Fatigue.

Bulimia Nervosa Is an eating disorder in which a person eats a great deal of food in a short period and then rids the body of food. Those with Bulimia Nervosa may  Vomit after meals  Abuse laxatives A drug that helps a person have a bowel movement.  Abuse diuretics. A drug that increases the amount of urine the body excretes.

Bulimia Nervosa A person will compensate for the calories consumed by purging them from their system in an attempt to prevent weight gain. Purging helps them regain a feeling of control.

Often bulimics are normal or above normal weight, unlike anorexics who are often abnormally thin. Because bulimics often look perfectly normal, recognizing an individual with bulimia nervosa may be difficult. More common than Anorexia.

Bulimia Nervosa Causes Often follows dieting behaviors that begin during adolescence. A very low calorie diet often promotes binge eating due to being deprived of not only fuel but pleasurable foods. Binging eating is followed by an intense feeling of guilt for losing control of eating. Guilt is relieved by purging the calories from the body.

Bulimia Nervosa Causes When this behavior is repeated, a cycle of binging and purging begins. Times of emotional stress can worsen the binge/purge cycle. This cycle can occur occasionally or several times a day.

Risks of Bulimia Nervosa Damage and discoloration in tooth enamel from the acid in vomit Swollen cheeks and face Sore gums Dry and brittle hair Heartburn and stomach cramps Damage to colon, kidneys, and heart Rupture of the esophagus in extreme cases

Warning Sings of Bulimia Nervosa Makes excuses to go to the bathroom after meals. May buy large amounts of food which suddenly disappears. Has unusual swelling around the jaw. Frequently eats large amounts of food on spur of the moment. Laxative and diuretic wrappers are found frequently in the trash.

Binge Eating Disorder Is an eating disorder in which a person engages in uncontrollable eating. Those who have this disorder may eat for hours in secret, even if they are not hungry.

Binge Eating Disorder Unlike people who have bulimia nervosa, they do not purge. They will may try different diets, but often times the diets are extremely unhealthy. Up to 40% of people who are obese and have binge eating disorder often become overweight at a younger age. May yo-yo diet, or lose and gain weight repeatedly.

Binge Eating Disorder Risks Overweight or Obesity Premature Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Diabetes Certain Types of Cancer

Understanding Binge Eating Binge eating is different from normal appetite increases or overeating from time to time. They often eat quickly, do other things while eating (like watch TV or do homework), and don't stop eating when they are full.

People who binge eat are usually overweight — even obese — because they consume more calories than their bodies can use. As a result, they may feel bad about themselves and about their bodies

Understanding Binge Eating It involves more than just eating a lot. People with this problem don't want to be overweight. With binge eating, a person feels out of control and powerless to stop eating while doing it. Is also called compulsive overeating. People with a binge eating problem may overeat when they feel stressed, upset, hurt, or angry. Many find it comforting and soothing to eat, but after a binge they are likely to feel guilty and sad about it.

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) Involves disordered eating patterns.It is a category of an eating disorder that do not meet the criteria for any specific eating disorder.

EDNOS This category is frequently used for people who meet some, but not all, of the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.anorexia nervosa bulimia nervosa People diagnosed with EDNOS may frequently switch between different eating patterns, or may with time fit all diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia.