EATING DISORDERS

DEFINITION Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions in which you're so preoccupied with food and weight that you can often focus on little else. The main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders can cause serious physical problems, and at their most severe can even be life-threatening. Most people with eating disorders are females, but males can also have eating disorders. An exception is binge-eating disorder, which appears to affect almost as many males as females. Treatments for eating disorders usually involve psychotherapy, nutrition education, family counseling, medications and hospitalization.

Common Symptoms of Eating Disorders Someone might be suffering from an eating disorder if he or she:  Has had a big weight loss in a relatively short period of time.  Wears big or baggy clothes, or dresses in layers to hide body shape.  Seems obsessed with weight and complains about weight problems (even if they're "average" weight or thin).  Seems obsessed with calories and fat content of foods.  Seems obsessed with exercising all the time.  Often makes trips to the bathroom right after meals (sometimes with water running to hide the sound of vomiting).  Starves himself or herself, or limits food.  Eats a lot of food at once, then makes himself or herself vomit.  Uses or hides the use of diet pills, laxatives, ipecac syrup, or enemas.  Seems to be afraid of eating near or with others.  Has strange food habits such as shifting the food around on the plate to look eaten; cutting food into tiny pieces; making sure the fork never touches the lips (using teeth to scrap food off the fork or spoon); chewing food and spitting it out, but not swallowing; dropping food into napkin on lap to later throw away.  Hides food in strange places (closets, cabinets, suitcases, under the bed) to avoid eating (Anorexia) or to eat at a later time (Bulimia).  Flushes uneaten food down the toilet.  Visits Web sites that promote unhealthy ways to lose weight.  Reads books about weight loss and eating disorders.  Says bad things about himself or herself after eating.  Seems to be losing hair, or has a pale or "grey" skin complexion.  Suffers often from dizziness and headaches.  Has lots of sore throats and/or swollen glands.  Has low self-esteem or feels "worthless."  Complains often about feeling cold.  Has bruised or callused knuckles; bloodshot or bleeding in the eyes; light bruising under the eyes and on the cheeks.  Has mood swings, depression, or is tired all the time.  Is having trouble sleeping.

Why Teens Develop Eating Disorders The exact cause of eating disorders — such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder — is unknown. However, various factors might put teens at risk of developing eating disorders. For example:

Societal Pressure Modern Western culture tends to place a premium on being physically attractive and having a slim body. Even with a normal body weight, teens can easily develop the perception that they're fat. This can trigger an obsession with losing weight, dieting and being thin — especially for teen girls.

Low Self-Esteem Teens who have low self-esteem might use their eating habits or weight loss to achieve a sense of stability or control.

Favorite Activities Participation in activities that value leanness — such as wrestling, running and ballet — can increase the risk of teen eating disorders.

Personal Factors Genetics or biological factors might make some teens more likely to develop eating disorders. Personality traits such as perfectionism, anxiety or rigidity might also play a role.

Early Consequences of Teen Eating Disorders At first, teen eating disorders can cause signs and symptoms such as: Dizziness Fatigue Weakness Constipation Irritability Difficulty concentrating Trouble sleeping For girls, menstrual irregularities

Later Consequences of Teen Eating Disorders Eventually, teen eating disorders can cause more-serious or even life-threatening health problems, including: Muscle wasting Thinning hair Bone loss Tooth decay Delayed growth and development Anemia Digestive problems Heart problems Seizures Depression, which can spiral to suicidal thoughts or behavior

Anorexia Nervosa (an-o-REK-see-uh nur-VOH-suh) When you have anorexia nervosa you're obsessed with food and being thin, sometimes to the point of deadly self-starvation.When you have anorexia nervosa you're obsessed with food and being thin, sometimes to the point of deadly self-starvation.

Anorexia Signs and Symptoms may include: Refusing to eat and denying hunger An intense fear of gaining weight Negative or distorted self-image Excessively exercising Flat mood or lack of emotion Preoccupation with food Social withdrawal Thin appearance Dizziness or fainting Soft, downy hair present on the body (lanugo) Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea) Constipation Abdominal pain Dry skin Frequently being cold Irregular heart rhythms Low blood pressure Dehydration

Eating Disorders: Jessica's Anorexia Jessica is one of the smartest kids in the ninth grade. When she's not studying, she's kicking butt on the basketball court or coming up with cool ideas at student council meetings. She totally loses it if she gets less than an A on a test, and all of her friends are convinced that she'll be the first woman President. One day at a family reunion, one of Jessica's aunts grabs her cheeks and says something about "baby fat." Jessica knows that her aunt is just teasing, but that comment sticks with her. She decides to go on a diet. At first she cuts back on sweets and starts using her dad's treadmill after school. The pounds start coming off and people notice. They ask her if she's on a diet and sometimes they even tell her that she looks great! Pretty soon, Jessica is weighing herself every morning and every night. She eats less and less, records every calorie and fat gram in her diet journal, and even hangs pictures of models on her wall for inspiration. But Jessica is also starting to feel annoyed and grouchy all the time. She turns down party invitations because she doesn't want to be tempted by fatty snack food. She snaps at her pals when they ask her what's wrong. She feels dizzy and cold and she can't concentrate on anything but her diet and exercise. Even though the numbers say she's lost weight, Jessica doesn't see it when she looks in the mirror. All she can see is that baby fat. Jessica has anorexia nervosa, usually just called "anorexia." People with anorexia starve themselves. Jessica's eating disorder really isn't about food at all. There are lots of other feelings and behaviors at the heart of these illnesses. Jessica tries hard to be the best at everything. She doesn't know how to handle criticism or teasing. Her aunt probably had no idea that her comment made Jessica feel like a big failure. Instead of confronting her aunt or talking to her parents about the situation, Jessica takes it all on herself. She thinks that a diet is a way to take control of the situation, but before long the situation has taken control of her.

Bulimia Nervosa When you bulimia, you have episodes of bingeing and purging.When you have bulimia, you have episodes of bingeing and purging. During these episodes, you typically eat a large amount of food in a short duration and then try to rid yourself of the extra calories by vomiting or excessive exercise.During these episodes, you typically eat a large amount of food in a short duration and then try to rid yourself of the extra calories by vomiting or excessive exercise. You actually may be at a normal weight or even a bit overweight.You actually may be at a normal weight or even a bit overweight.

Bulimia Signs and Symptoms may include: Eating until the point of discomfort or pain, often with high-fat or sweet foods Self-induced vomiting Laxative use Excessively exercising Unhealthy focus on body shape and weight Having a distorted, excessively negative body image Going to the bathroom after eating or during meals Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior Abnormal bowel functioning Damaged teeth and gums Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks Sores in the throat and mouth Dehydration Irregular heartbeat Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea) Constant dieting or fasting Possibly, drug or alcohol abuse

Binge-Eating Disorder When you have binge-eating disorder, you regularly eat excessive amounts of food (binge).When you have binge-eating disorder, you regularly eat excessive amounts of food (binge). You may eat when you're not hungry and continue eating even long after you're uncomfortably full.You may eat when you're not hungry and continue eating even long after you're uncomfortably full. After a binge, you may try to diet or eat normal meals, triggering a new round of bingeing.After a binge, you may try to diet or eat normal meals, triggering a new round of bingeing. You may be a normal weight, overweight or obese.You may be a normal weight, overweight or obese.

Symptoms of Binge-Eating Disorder may include: Eating to the point of discomfort or pain Eating much more food during a binge episode than during a normal meal or snack Eating faster during binge episodes Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control Frequently eating alone Feeling depressed, disgusted or upset over the amount eaten

YOU TUBE VIDEOS Dr. Phil on Eating Disorder {Full}Phil McGraw (40:04) A&list=PL795AD932AC38EB8Dhttp:// A&list=PL795AD932AC38EB8D Dr. Phil: Anorexia (15 Videos)

Eating Disorders Questionnaire The following is a questionnaire on eating attitudes and behavior Are you preoccupied with food, dieting or weight? 2. Do you eat in the absence of hunger or lose control and eat to excess? 3. Do you believe you're overweight even though others tell you you're thin? 4. Have you abused laxatives, diuretics or diet aids? 5. Are you upset about eating habits but unable to change them? 6. Have you vomited to control weight? 7. Has your menstrual cycle ceased, or never started? 8. Have you repeatedly lost the weight you wanted to, only to regain it? 9. Do you overeat, under eat, or refuse to eat because of how you feel, i.e., depressed, nervous, angry, lonely, or bored?

URL: EATING DISORDER QUIZ

1. Todd gets picked on every day because he's the shortest, skinniest kid in his class. It seems like all the other guys are getting bigger and more muscular. Todd feels like he's doomed to a life of peewee-dom. His neighbor tells him about a protein shake that he can drink to bulk up. Todd decides to try it. What's The Deal? a.Todd has an eating disorder. b.Todd should concentrate on good nutrition and let his body do the rest. c.Todd should try the protein shake because it's safer than steroids.

The Correct Answer is B What's The Deal? a.Todd has an eating disorder. b.Todd should concentrate on good nutrition and let his body do the rest. a.Todd should try the protein shake because it's safer than steroids. Todd might not have an eating disorder, but if he's expecting miracle muscles from a protein powder, he's going to be pretty bummed. Most of these health supplements are not approved by the FDA, which means that there are no government regulations and no guarantees. Besides, Todd's still growing and the best thing he can do is nourish his body with balanced meals, not a big scam in a can!

2. Cara doesn't know why, but sometimes when she starts eating, she can't stop! This usually happens when she's very stressed out or nervous. One day, when she is alone in the house, she eats two bags of chips and a pint of ice cream. She knows her mom will say something if she sees the empty bags and containers in the trash, so Cara hides them in her drawer to get rid of them later. a.Todd has an eating disorder. b.Todd should concentrate on good nutrition and let his body do the rest. a.Todd should try the protein shake because it's safer than steroids.

The Correct Answer is C If Cara lets these habits get worse, she could develop "binge eating disorder." Her out-of-control eating is called bingeing, and even though she's not vomiting or taking laxatives, Cara's behavior could become very serious. The fact that she is hiding food and keeping secrets is another sign that this one might be a big problem. a.Cara just has a healthy, growing-girl appetite. b.Cara should do her pig- outs with healthier food. c.Cara has an unhealthy attitude towards food that could lead to a future eating disorder.