Body image and eating disorders 7th Grade Health

What influences our body Image?

Body Image Body Image – is the way you see and imagine your body. Feel comfortable with yourself ; you will be more likely to have confidence. Feeling uncomfortable with yourself may lead to the desire to change by using unhealthy behaviors. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS!!

Body Image Unhealthy Body Image – is to feel uncomfortable with your body. It is NORMAL to find flaws within yourself. People who want to change their appearance drastically often lead to eating disorders and unhealthy decisions.

Body Image How does the media affect our body image? People shown are not typical Comparison can lead to an unhealthy body image. The media includes TV, Movies, Magazines, Music Videos, etc…

Magazines…

Billboards...

Toys…

Body Image Self-Esteem – a measure of how much you value, respect, and feel confident about yourself. Possessing a high self esteem will help you; Have a positive outlook on life Achieve success Feel good about yourself Have confidence To not feel inferior to others To not be deeply affected by negative comments from others.

Eating Disorders An Eating Disorder is a disease in which a person has an unhealthy concern about his or her weight. Some causes of Eating Disorders: Depression Feelings of lack of control in one’s life History of physical or sexual abuse Troubled family and personal relationships Low self-esteem Unhealthy body image

Eating Disorders Eating Disorders can effect anyone; Boys, Girls, Men, Women of all cultures and ethnicities. Examples of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa- an eating disorder that includes self-starvation, an unhealthy body image, and extreme weight loss. Bulimia Nervosa- an eating disorder in which a person eats a large amount of food and tries to rid the body of the food. Binge Eating Disorder- is a disease in which a person has difficulty controlling how much he or she eats but does not purge. Related Vocabulary: Bingeing- when a person eats a large amount of food at one time. Purging- is the act of ridding the body of food. Obesity- is a condition in which a person has a high percentage of body fat. Overexercising- when a person exercises harder and for a longer period of time than is healthy.

Images of Eating Disorders

Common eating disorder warning signs Preoccupation with body or weight Obsession with calories, food, or nutrition Constant dieting, even when thin Rapid, unexplained weight loss or weight gain Taking laxatives or diet pills Compulsive exercising Making excuses to get out of eating Avoiding social situations that involve food Going to the bathroom right after meals Eating alone, at night, or in secret Hoarding high-calorie food http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_self_help.htm

Treatments for eating disorders Often, a combination of therapy, nutritional counseling, and group support works best. In some cases, residential treatment or hospitalization may be necessary. Therapy – Individual and group therapy can help your loved one explore the issues underlying the eating disorder, improve self-esteem, and learn healthy ways of responding to stress and emotional pain. Family therapy is also effective for dealing with the impact the eating disorder has on the entire family unit. Nutritional counseling – Dieticians or nutritionists are often involved in the treatment of eating disorders. They can help your loved one design meal plans, set dietary goals, and achieve a healthy weight. Nutritional counseling may also involve education about basic nutrition and the health consequences of eating disorders. Support groups – Attending an eating disorder support group can help your loved one feel less alone and ashamed. Run by peers rather than professionals, support groups provide a safe environment to share experiences, advice, encouragement, and coping strategies. Residential treatment – Residential or hospital-based care may be required when there are severe physical or behavioral problems, such as a resistance to treatment, medical issues that require a doctor’s supervision, or continuing weight loss.

How to talk to someone about their eating disorder Be careful to avoid critical or accusatory statements, as this will only make your friend or family member defensive. Instead, focus on the specific behaviors that worry you. Focus on feelings and relationships, not on weight and food. Share your memories of specific times when you felt concerned about the person’s eating behavior. Explain that you think these things may indicate that there could be a problem that needs professional help. Tell them you are concerned about their health, but respect their privacy. Eating disorders are often a cry for help, and the individual will appreciate knowing that you are concerned. Do not comment on how they look. The person is already too aware of their body. Even if you are trying to compliment them, comments about weight or appearance only reinforce their obsession with body image and weight. Make sure you do not convey any fat prejudice, or reinforce their desire to be thin. If they say they feel fat or want to lose weight, don't say "You're not fat." Instead, suggest they explore their fears about being fat, and what they think they can achieve by being thin. Avoid power struggles about eating. Do not demand that they change. Do not criticize their eating habits. People with eating disorders are trying to be in control. They don't feel in control of their life. Trying to trick or force them to eat can make things worse. Avoid placing shame, blame, or guilt on the person regarding their actions or attitudes. Do not use accusatory “you” statements like, “You just need to eat.” Or, “You are acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use “I” statements. For example: “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting.” Avoid giving simple solutions. For example, "If you'd just stop, then everything would be fine!" Adapted from: National Eating Disorder Information Center and National Eating Disorders Association