Eating Disorders -An Eating Disorder is an abnormal eating pattern that endangers the physical and mental health. -Most common in teen and young adult women. -3 most common forms are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa  Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that is an intense fear of weight gain.  Anorexics have a number of social and emotional issues.  Withdrawal from social events and have a quiet and serious personality.  View losing weight as a way to solves problems  Think they are overweight even when seriously thin.  Can often start with a diet.

Anorexia Nervosa-cont.  Often skip meals, may eat little or nothing, and push food around on plate.  May where baggy clothes to hide their body  May take laxatives or diet pills  May exercise excessively

Anorexia Nervosa: Physical Symptoms  Low body fat and weight  Cessation of menstrual period  Stress, restlessness, and irritability  Fine hair and rough, dry skin  Muscle tissue wastes away  Blood pressure and pulse drops  Organs begin to shrivel  Bone density decreases  Many anorexics starve to death, others are severely depressed and at risk of suicide.

Bulimia Nervosa -Bulimia Nervosa includes Binging and purging.  Binging-Uncontrollable eating of large amounts of food  Purging-Clearing the food from the digestive system. –Ex. Vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, exercising, and fasting.

Bulimia Nervosa  Always thinking about food.  May consume thousands of calories in a few hours. -Typically high carb, high fat foods. Ex. A whole cake, a dozen donuts, or a tub of ice-cream.  Physical Effects: -Their body may look normal. -The body will become increasingly affected. -Burnt tissue in esophagus, swollen glands, and ruined tooth enamel. -Loss of water, minerals, and electrolyte imbalance -Troubles with heart and lover damage and can be fatal

Binge Eating Disorder and More  Binge Eating is rapid eating of large amounts of food.  Overeating until uncomfortably full.  Do not try to prevent weight gain.  Feel guilty, frustrated, and rejected.  Overweight and at risk for obesity.  When they lose, they often gain it back.  Others: Disorders show up in people who are overly concerned with their body image.

Causes Theories  Social Pressure- Comes from the media (models, actors, performers) who are often thin and beautiful -Believe in order to be successful they must be attractive -Measure self-worth by body weight People in the U.S. are under constant pressure to fit a certain ideal of beauty. Seeing images of flawless, thin, females or fit males everywhere makes it hard for people to feel good about their bodies.

Causes-continued Teens-social Pressure -vulnerable to feelings of rejection, worthlessness, and guilt Athletes- focus on body and weight -Ex. wrestlers, gymnast, dancers, etc. -Female Triad: Eating disorder, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis

 Genetic Links- Chemicals in brain prompt eating (high sugar and fat content.)  Family Patterns- may influence the development of an eating disorder

Getting Help  Treatment is likely to include a team of health care professionals. -Medical Doctor, psychologist, dietician, exercise specialist. -Not a simple fix but can take years -First, attend to the physical issues the disorder has caused. -Psychological and nutritional counseling. -Taught to build new controls in their life and taught better verbal/communication skills. -Continued support through professionals, family, and friends. -May never fully recover.

Helping a Friend  May not admit to having a problem  May get angry or upset  Don ’ t give up-if they are not receptive speak to a counselor.  Steps to prevent an eating disorder: -Be careful when encouraging one to lose weight. -Offer encouragement, support, and acceptance.

Sources and Questions  Questions?  Sources: Textbook- Pictures-  