“Know Dieting” Presentation

Did you know Diets Don’t Work ? 95% of dieters will regain their lost weight in one to five years Consistent dieting can lower your resting metabolic rate SO over time your body will burn calories more slowly After dieting, if you re-introduce “forbidden” foods, you will most likely regain all the weight you lost In the long run your body’s metabolism will lead you back to your set-point or natural weight, which is influenced by your genetics

Constant dieting can lead to eating disorders Even “harmless” diets can spiral out of control Most therapists say that their eating disordered patients were dieting at the time of the development of their disorder Eating disorders can be deadly: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “One in ten cases of anorexia nervosa leads to death from starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications or suicide.”

So, what types of eating disorders are there? Anorexia Nervosa: Self-starvation and excessive weight loss Intense and irrational fear of body fat and weight gain An iron determination to become thinner and thinner A misperception of body weight and shape to the extent that the person may feel or see “fat” even when emaciated Medical conditions can include: irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, reduced bone mass, electrolyte imbalance, constipation, insomnia, yellowed skin and downy body hair called lanugo

Other eating disorders … Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of binge eating followed by purging ie. self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, excessive exercising Medical complications can include: cardiac irregularities, kidney failure, peptic ulcers and pancreatitis, gastric rupture, yellowed skin and hair loss, dental decay, and esophagus scarring and ruptures Binge Eating Disorder: Repeated episodes of impulsive gorging or non-stop eating No purging but maybe sporadic fasts or repetitive diets Medical complications can include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder disease, depression

The truth about eating disorders Eating disorders are not just about food Extreme expressions of emotions like depression, fear, and anxiety Maladaptive attempts to control one’s life or some aspect Emotionally, physically, financially devastating conditions for sufferers, their families and friends. Not “just a phase” or a selfish way to get attention. Not outstanding willpower or a quick-fix crash diet. An isolating and lonely experience filled with shame, guilt, secrecy, obsession, and insecurity

What can I do instead of dieting? The next time you look in the mirror, say something positive instead of negative Keep a Top 10 List of things you already like about yourself AND add to your list often Listen to your body. Eat when hungry. Rest when tired. Surround yourself with people and things that remind you of your strength and beauty And, finally, remember that your body is the vehicle that will carry you to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.