Eating Disorders

Facts: Young girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of nuclear war, cancer or losing their parents Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric diagnosis 90% of high school Junior and Senior women diet regularly 35,000 women in Utah suffer from an Eating Disorder

Facts Cont… The average model is 5’9” and weighs 110 lbs. The average woman is 5’4” and weighs 140 lbs. To have a normal menstrual cycle a woman typically needs at least 17-22% body fat. 40% of 6 year old girls wish they were thinner and 50% will have dieted by age 8. Body image problems in teenage boys are increasing.

Most Common Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa –Deliberate self starvation –Excessive Weight loss –Intense fear of gaining weight –Absence of at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles –Distorted body image

Bulimia Nervosa –Secretive binge eating followed by purging –Over concern with body, shape and weight –Feeling a loss of control during binges –Typically maintain normal body weight –Abuse of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills –Intense fear of gaining weight –Distorted body image

Binge Eating Disorder –Binging without purging –Distorted body image –Typically overweight

Approximately 1 in 4 American women exhibit symptoms of an eating disorder The incidence of bulimia has doubled over the past 20 years Females are 15 times more likely than males to develop anorexia 1 in 20 college women are bulimic

Warning Signs Menstrual irregularities Reduced body temperature Irregular heart beat General muscle weakness Eat alone Pale/dry skin Thin/dull hair Impaired alertness Red, irritated mouth Eroded tooth enamel Reduced sensation to pain Over concerned with body size Anxious about food

Warning Signs Cont… Excessive exercise Perfectionism Mood swings Low self-esteem Withdrawal Feelings of isolation, depression or irritability

Health Problems Stunted growth Weakened immune system Hypoglycemia Permanent loss of bone mass Excessive hair growth on face and body Kidney/liver damage Anemia Fertility problems Death

Where do we get these ideas? Media

What you can do: Be wise when looking at media, realize it’s not what it appears to be Educate yourself Don’t blame yourself Give yourself time and attention Build self-esteem

Eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired Put yourself in positive surroundings Keep a top 10 list of things you like about yourself and add to it often. Accept your body and feel good about yourself

What can you do for a friend? Express your concern but be firm Offer support throughout recovery process Use “I” statements Be honest Don’t ignore it or be too pushy Don’t take it on alone Keep in touch with them Remember you can’t do everything, they have to fix their own problems ACT NOW!

Respect your body Set realistic expectations for changing your body Understand your body’s strengths and limitations

Available treatments: Therapies –Individual –Group –Family –Marital –Outpatient –Inpatient Support groups (on-line and in-person)

Remember…. You have the power within yourself… Find out who you are.