Chapter 4.2 Eating Disorders

Myth Eating disorders affect only females. Fact Eating disorders affect females more than males, but males do develop eating disorders. Because of this myth males are even less likely than females to seek help for an eating disorder. What factors other than gender might keep someone from seeking help for an eating disorder?

Eating Disorder Eating Disorder- is a mental disorder that reveals itself through abnormal behaviors related to food. An eating disorder is about more than just food. They are about emotions, thoughts, and attitudes.

Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa- A person with this does not eat enough food to maintain a healthy body weight People with this think they are overweight even though they are not Anorexia affects about 1 out of every 800 teenage girls

Health Risks A person with anorexia can starve to death In some cases, a lack of essential minerals causes the heart to stop suddenly, leading to death Heart failure (can be caused by slow heart rate and low blood pressure; the use of drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements, or urination; or starvation, which can also lead to brain damage) • Brittle hair and nails; dry skin (skin may dry out and become yellow, and the affected person can develop a covering of soft hair called lanugo) • Mild anemia • Swollen joints • Reduced muscle mass • Long-term constipation • Osteoporosis

Possible Causes The lack of a chemical that regulates mood is one possible cause Other possible causes are low self-esteem and a strong desire to please others May have a history of troubled relationships

Treatment People with anorexia usually don’t know that there is a problem Often first treated in a hospital Doctors, nurses, and dieticians work together to stop the weight loss and change a persons eating habits At the same time, mental health experts work with them to address the underlying emotional problems

Body Image and the Media

Bulimia People who have bulimia go on uncontrolled eating binges followed by purging, or removing the food from their bodies. Seen mainly in young women Most people with bulimia maintain a weight within normal range.

Bulimia

Health Risks Dehydration, kidney damage, and lack of necessary vitamins and minerals. Stomach acid in vomit irritates the throat and erodes the enamel from teeth. Often become depressed and even think about suicide Erosion of tooth enamel from the acid produced by vomiting • Inflammation of the esophagus (the tube in the throat through which food passes to the stomach) • Enlarged glands near the cheeks (giving the appearance of swollen cheeks) • Stomach damage from frequent vomiting • Irregular heartbeat • Heart failure • Electrolyte imbalances (loss of important minerals like potassium) that can lead to sudden death • Peptic ulcers • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large gland that aids digestion) • Long-term constipation

Possible Causes Many of the causes for anorexia also apply to bulimia In addition, people who binge may use food as a way to feel better emotionally, and purge because of concern of their weight

Treatment If you know someone with the signs listed, offer your support in private. The gently encourage the person to seek the help of a mental-health professional.

Binge Eating Disorder People with binge eating disorder regularly have an uncontrollable urge to eat large amounts of food. They usually do not purge after a binge.

Binge Eating Disorder People with this disorder cannot stop eating even when they are full They may intend to eat two slices of bread and end up eating the entire loaf.

Health Risks Someone with this disorder is not going to starve to death or suffer the consequences of repeating purging. The main physical risks are excess weight gain and unhealthy dieting. High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Fatigue • Joint pain • Type II diabetes • Gallbladder disease • Heart disease

Health Risks When people gain an unhealthy amount of weight, they are at greater risk for illnesses such as diabetes, and physical disorders such as high blood pressure. To deal with this weight gain, some people try extreme diets that promise rapid weight loss. The hunger caused by such diets can trigger more binges (a yo-yo effect)

Possible Causes Some people use binge eating to avoid dealing with difficult emotions, such as anger, or in stressful situations The food may provide some temporary relief, but it can lead to other difficult emotions, such as guilt or depression.

Treatment People with binge eating disorder need help in learning how to control their eating. They may need to eat more slowly and deliberately Often need to address underlying emotional problems