Eating Disorders Chapter 5

Definition An eating disorder is an abnormal eating behavior that risks physical and mental health. Can lead to organ damage, malnutrition, or even death. Most often they affect young women and teenage girls. However, people of all ages and genders can also form eating disorders.

Three Common Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa What It Means Characterized by starvation Nervosa indicates the disorder has psychological roots. The person with anorexia has an extreme fear of gaining weight. They may appear skin and bones but they have a distorted body image.

Anorexia Nervosa Side Affects Starvation causes some body processes to slow down or stop. Blood pressure drops and respiration slows. The body does not absorb nutrients properly. Their heart may stop.

Bulimia Nervosa What Is It Has two characteristics –Repeated eating binges –Inappropriate behavior to prevent weight gain Purging Take laxatives Excessive exercise Fasting

Bulimia Nervosa What It Does Frequent purging upsets the body’s chemical balance Can cause fatigue and heart abnormalities Purging can harm the teeth, gums, esophagus, and stomach.

Binge Eating Disorder Involves repeated episodes of uncontrolled eating. Binge eaters consume large amounts of food. However they do not take part in an opposing behavior to prevent weight gain. They are overweight

Treatment For Eating Disorders Requires professional help My need to be hospitalized Once there physical heath has been addressed they start psychological counseling. May join a therapy group