Eating Disorders Eating disorders are many times linked with depression and the inability to identify and express feelings. Striving to be perfect and setting expectations for high performance and achievement are also characteristics of someone who may be at risk for an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are divided into 2 categories: ANOREXIA – life-threatening disorder characterized by deliberate self- starvation. The person becomes obsessed with food, weight, counting calories, and vigorous exercise. Bulimia – life-threatening disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by (usually) self-induced vomiting or some form of purging as a means of controlling weight.
ANOREXIA – Self-induced starvation Extremely low caloric intake Obsession with exercise Emotional problems Unnatural interest in food Unrealistic or distorted sense of body image Denial of an eating problem
Long Term Physical Problems: Extreme weight loss Hormonal changes Impaired immune function Decreased heart rate Women-menstrual cycle stops
BULIMIA – binge(eat a lot) and purge(vomit) Follows a restrictive diet, then binges Eats a large quantity of food, then purges Overwhelming desire to be thin, leading to a daily routine of vomiting or abusing laxatives
Long Term Physical Problems: Dehydration Kidney problems Irregular heartbeat Chronic vomiting leads to tooth decay and tissue damage of the esophagus and stomach
How to Help a Friend Remember….you cannot force someone to seek help; change their habits, or adjust their attitude…..so…. What can you do????
LEARN – as much about eating disorders as you can. KNOW THE DIFFERENCES –between facts and myths about weight, nutrition and exercise. BE HONEST – talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the person who is struggling with eating disorders or body image problems.
BE CARING, BUT BE FIRM – don’t be manipulated by your friend. Your friend must be responsible for their actions and the consequences of these actions. Don’t make promises you can’t uphold…..”I promise not to tell anyone…” COMPLIMENT – your friend’s personality, successes, or accomplishments….”true beauty” is not simply skin deep….
More on How To Help…..
BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL – be a sensible eater…show how you exercise and that you are self- accepting…. Last, but not least….TELL SOMEONE- It may seem difficult to know when, if at all, to tell someone else about your concerns..but do it…….who can you tell???
Start with….. Guidance Counselor Turning Point Counselor Health Teacher…. Doctor Parent