Preventing Negative Body Image and Eating Disorders

75% of Women and 41% of Men are dissatisfied with their weight. Amongst American high school students, 44% of females &15% of males were attempting to lose weight 28% of the males were attempting to gain weight by building muscles 50% of American women are on a diet at any one time Between 90% & 99% of diets fail to produce permanent weight loss 2/3 of dieters will regain the weight within a year.

There are three main types of eating disorders:  Bulimia  Anorexia  Binge Eating

1. Frequent episodes of BINGE-EATING A rapid consumption of food in a discrete period of time 2.A feeling of LACK OF CONTROL Powerlessness felt during the binge followed by anxiety and mood swings 3.Recurrent PURGING Vomiting, diet pills, excessive exercise, and/or laxatives or diuretics 4.DISTORTED CONCERNS: SHAPE & WEIGHT A strong drive for thinness and a fear of fat.

Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa Evidence of BINGE-EATING: Appears to eat large amounts of food (esp. high calorie food) without gaining weight Large amounts of food purchased or shop-lifted Evidence of SELF-INDUCED VOMITING: Catching the person in the act Leaves the table immediately after eating and goes to the bathroom. Evidence of PURGING: Unexplainable paleness and complaints of dizziness Unexplainable muscle cramps, or heart and kidney problems that are unusual for teenagers

Unhealthy body image can start at an early age.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA Major characteristics might include: Extreme and irrational fear of becoming fat Strong determination to become increasingly thinner Significant weight loss Distorted perception of body shape Abnormal hormonal functioning In females: absence of 3 or more menstrual cycles In males: lowered levels of testosterone

Several primary symptoms: Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time Feeling of being “out of control” during binges Eating food rapidly without really tasting it Eating alone Feelings of shame, disgust, or guilt after a binge BINGE EATING DISORDER

Causes of Binge Eating: 25% of obese individuals suffer from frequent episodes of binge eating People suffering from binge-eating disorder can be either average or above average weight. Binge-eaters often express distress, shame, and guilt over their eating disorder. Many have a history of depression.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Social Factors Cultural pressures that glorify “thinness” Narrow definitions of beauty Value people on the basis of physical appearance not inner qualities & strengths Psychological Factors Low self-esteem Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness Interpersonal Factors Troubled family or personal relationships Difficulty expressing emotions or feelings History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight History of physical or self-abuse

Men must be: lean muscular broad shouldered narrow through waist and hips The body proportions set out by the artificial ideal are as impossible to meet as the “Barbie standards” set for women. 41% of all males in the US report being dissatisfied with their weight. Many of these men would like to lose weight but a significant portion of them would like to gain muscle.

Self-Concept & “Body Image.” Visual Component: Visual Component: – How you “see” yourself when you look in the mirror – you might have a distorted, unrealistic perception of your shape Mental Component: Mental Component: – What you believe and think about your appearance. – you might believe yourself to be ugly or unattractive Emotional Component: Emotional Component: – How you feel about your body, including your height, weight, and shape. – You might feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious about your body. Kinesthetic Component : Kinesthetic Component : – How you feel in your body, not just about your body. – you might not feel comfortable in your body

1. Be sensitive to shame...It can look like defensiveness and denial. WHAT TO DO: STEP BY STEP 2. Focus on emotions, stress, isolation…not on appearance and weight. They already worry too much about both. 3. Focus on what is going on for your friend emotionally. Express your concerns using “I” statements rather than “you” statements. “I am worried about you.” “Is there anything I can do to help you?” “I don’t like it when we act as if nothing is wrong, because my sense is that something is very wrong.” 4. Avoid lecturing about the medical dangers of eating disorders. It will likely backfire. 5. One conversation is rarely enough. Repeated connection and nonjudgmental listening is usually needed for a person to feel safe enough to actually talk about what is going on and then do something about it. Encourage your friends to get help, but don’t force them.

Loving Supportive Friends Always Help

Some “DO’s” in Reaching Out Speak to the person in private Tell them how you feel Tell them what specifically has made you concerned Let them have time to respond Listen carefully and nonjudgementally

Some “DON’Ts” in Reaching Out Don’t speak to an adult with out speaking to the person whom you’re concerned about Don’t give advice about appearance Don’t confront the person with a group of people Don’t diagnose Don’t get into an argument Don’t be judgmental

Private Practitioners Free Community Eating Disorders Support Group Web Sites Overeater’s Anonymous Books Teachers, Counselors, School Nurse