Jacob Walker, Colin Rasnick, and Dustin Lentz Eating Disorders Jacob Walker, Colin Rasnick, and Dustin Lentz

Eating Disorders… Definition: Preoccupation with weight that results in severe disturbances in eating behavior. Mixture of social, psychological, and physical problems.

Common Characteristics in People with Eating Disorders It seems to be common that sexual and/or physical and emotional abuse is related to eating disorders (not all people living with eating disorders are survivors of abuse). Direct connection in some people to clinical depression Low self-esteem and unhappy with their body image

Indications of an Eating Disorder Not wanting to eat meals with the family Frequent, lengthy visits to the bathroom during or just after meals especially if running water is used to obscure the sound of induced vomiting Skipping meals Excessive exercise or preoccupation with weight, shape and body image Wanting to be alone Weight loss

Types of Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge-Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa People with Anorexia Nervosa: Have a distorted body image and view themselves as fat even when they’re underweight Go to great lengths to keep a low body weight Eat very little (sometimes to the point of starvation) Some compulsively exercise Some might even be perfectionists Feelings of stress, anxiety, unhappiness and feeling like life is out of control (Anorexia is a negative way to cope with these emotions)

Continued… Known to eat junk food, particularly candy Drink a lot of coffee or tea To smoke May deny hunger, make excuses to avoid eating, will often hide food they claim to have eaten Use diet pills to control appetite, or attempt to purge the food away with self-induced vomiting, or by taking laxatives Are 90% teenage girls and young women

Signs and Symptoms Resistance to maintaining a healthy body weight An irrational fear of gaining weight An unrealistic view of body shape and size Among women, infrequent menstrual periods or cessation of menstruation

Treatment Psychotherapy learn to exchange unhealthy habits for healthy ones learn how to monitor your eating and your moods develop problem-solving skills explore healthy ways to cope with stressful situations. cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used in eating disorder treatment. Nutrition education Dietitians and other health care providers can offer information about a healthy diet and help design an eating plan to achieve a healthy weight and healthy-eating habits. Hospitalization If it becomes a serious health problem or if the person refuses to eat or gain weight, your doctor may recommend hospitalization Medications May help manage excessive preoccupations with food and diet Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also help with symptoms of depression or anxiety

Bulimia An eating disorder when a person fears gaining weight after binge eating and feels the need to undo what they did by throwing up, exercising a lot, or taking laxatives.

Signs of bulimia Going to the bathroom immediately after a meal. Swollen cheeks or jaw area Broken blood vessels in eyes Teeth look clear Rough skin on knuckles (if using fingers to make throw up)

What causes bulimia Culture- people in the U.S., especially young females, are under constant pressure to be very thin. Families- if one person in a family has an eating disorder then it is likely that another family has an eating disorder. Stressful events- being made of because of body size. Psychology- low self-esteem or difficulty expressing anger or other feeling can lead to bulimia. Biology- genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in becoming bulimic.

What should you do if you know somebody who’s bulimic Set a time to talk Tell your friend about your concern Ask your friend to talk to a professional Avoid conflicts regarding the situation Let your friend know that you’re there to help

Binge Eating What is Binge Eating? - Binge eating is defined as a pattern of disordered eating which consists of episodes of uncontrollable overeating This basically states that a binge eater is someone who eats large amounts and can’t control it.

Binge Eating How does someone know if they are a binge eater? Eating until uncontrollably full. Eating large amounts even when not hungry. Eating alone because the embarrassment of the quantity of food you have. Eating more rapidly then frequently.

Binge Eating Is binge eating common and who is at risk? Most binge eaters are obese. 2% of all adults suffer from binge eating. Women are more likely to suffer from binge eating. Three women to every two men. African Americans are also more at risk then Whites.

Binge Eating Binge Eating can have serious health impacts such as: Depression Obesity High Blood Pressure Type 2 Diabetes Stroke

Binge Eating Binge Eating is a serious health problem in America Need to watch what and how much you eat Exercise regularly

Celebrities that have/had an Eating Disorder

References Mayo Clinic Family Health Book http://www.edreferral.com/anorexia_nervosa.htm http://www.something-fishy.org/whatarethey/anorexia.php http://www.womenshealth.gov