Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa Self-starvation ▫Essential nutrients are denied (no or little food) so the body slows down all normal processes to conserve energy. Health consequences ▫Low blood pressure / heart rate ▫Muscle loss / weakness ▫Dehydration ▫Fainting / fatigue ▫Dry hair and skin

90-95% are female so, 5-10% are male. Similar characteristics: ▫Preoccupied with weight  Males may have preoccupation with body building, weight lifting or toning. ▫Compulsive exercise ▫Frequently weighing oneself ▫Distorted body image

Bulimia Nervosa Typically a binge – purge method ▫Binge – secret periods of quickly eating high- calorie dense foods. ▫Purge – more than the typical vomiting. 80% are female Health consequences: ▫Irregular heartbeat = heart failure = death. ▫Tooth decay ▫Ulcers

Signs and Symptoms (Anorexia & Bulemia) Weight loss No or irregular periods Fatigue Decreased concentration Stress fractures Muscle injuries Low heart rate/BP Heart irregularities May even have chest pain Continued dieting Preoccupation with food/weight Frequent trips to bathroom during and after meals Using laxatives Brittle nails/hair Dental cavities Sensitivity to cold

Binge Eating Disorder The most common eating disorder. ▫Affects about 3% of U.S. adults. ▫Slightly more common in women than men. Signs & symptoms: ▫Eat a large amount of food quickly during binge. ▫Eating a large amount until uncomfortable full. ▫Eating large amounts of food when not hungry. ▫Eating alone because embarrassed about amount of food. ▫May have feelings of guilt or depression after overeating.

Binge Eating Disorder Large amounts of food consumed (binge) but typically NO purging. ▫This is different than bulemia. Complications from binge eating disorder: ▫Type 2 Diabetes ▫High blood pressure ▫High cholesterol ▫Heart disease ▫Certain types of cancer

Prevention Look at your own beliefs, attitudes, behaviors about food, weight, body image, physical appearance and exercise. Open communication Healthy modeling. (setting a good example) Critical thinking Exercise should equal feeling better not looking better. Don’t use food as a reward or punishment

More information “Dying to be thin” ▫Nova program

Obesity

What is obesity? “The most prevalent, fatal, chronic, relapsing disorder of the 21 st century.” (obesity.org, 2010) An excess of adipose tissue ▫Happens for different reasons Currently 66% of Americans are overweight or obese.

cdc.gov

Obesity & Health Associated with almost every chronic disease. ▫Diabetes ▫High blood pressure / Heart disease / Stroke ▫Gallbladder disease ▫Sleep apnea ▫Cancer

Causes of obesity Bigger portions  Salty snacks increased from 132 calories to 225 calories  Soft drinks increased from 144 calories to 193 calories  Hamburgers increased from 389 calories to 486 calories. ▫American Heart Association  Portion Distortion

Causes: Less Nutrition Fruits & Vegetables ▫Only 14% of children (6-19 y/o) meet the daily recommendation for 2-4 daily servings of fruit. ▫Only 20% get the recommended daily serving of vegetables Whole grains ▫Although at least two servings are recommended:  Children get less than one serving per day.

Causes: Milk consumption American Heart Association

Causes: Added sugar Found in: soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports beverages, energy drinks, and processed foods. American Heart Association

Causes: Eating Out Approximately 40% of budgeted food money is spent away from home. Americans’ spending on fast food: Increased from $60 billion to $110 billion in the last 30 years. American Heart Association

Causes: Lack of Physical Exercise Although at least 30 minutes of moderate activity is recommended daily. Schools have dropped PE classes Media has replaced activity Neighborhoods may be unsafe Work / Commute Technology

Let’s Move