Eating Disorders

Extreme eating behaviors that can lead to serious health problems and even death Unhealthy behavior related to food, eating, and weight These are hid from friends and family(usually) More common –Among females –Teen years and early adulthood Estimated that from 1-10% of all teens suffer from an eating disorder

Anorexia Nervosa Type of eating disorder that involves an irresistible urge to lose weight through self- starvation and a refusal to maintain a normal body weight There are many approaches –Refusing to eat –Laxatives –Diet Pills

Binge Eating Disorder Type of eating disorder involving a lack of control while eating huge quantities of food at one time –Bingeing Usually happens when a person is emotionally upset or under severe stress

Bulimia Nervosa Involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging –The use of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or vigorous activities to prevent weight gain Usually within pounds of a healthy weight

Effects of Eating Disorders Create serious health problems Anorexia can result in: –Lowered heart rate and body temperature –Constipation –Lowered blood pressure and breathing rate –Heart problems –Osteoporosis –Brain damage –Stunted growth About 10% of all individuals with anorexia will die of starvation

Effects of Eating Disorders Binge Eating disorder –Gain weight –Develop the same health problems as overweight people –Very distressed about their binge eating

Effects of Eating Disorders Bulimia –Lose Fluids and potassium Results in fatigue, kidney problems, heart damage –Vomiting damages Esophagus teeth gums –Salivary glands enlarge –May rupture the esophagus –Soar throats

What can be Done? Realize that a person with an eating disorder has an illness Most can not stop the self-destructing behaviors on their own

Recognizing Eating Disorders Anorexia warning signs: rapidly losing large amounts of weight Eating little Exercising for hours Sensitivity to cold temperatures Preoccupied with food and calories Spending time alone Avoiding friends

Recognizing Eating Disorders Binge Eating or Bulimia –Warning signs are more challenging to pick up on Often successful in hiding their problems Tend to eat in secret

Recognizing Eating Disorders Bulimia –They have no control over their unusual eating habits –Embarrassed by their lack of self-control –Preoccupation with food and eating –Leaving the table immediately after eating Usually going to the bathroom to purge –Great fluctuations in weight –Dependency on laxatives, water pills, or diet pills –Physical changes Swollen glands or teeth problems

Getting Help Treatment usually requires professional help –Includes nutritional and psychological counseling as well as medical help Often includes hospitalization in an eating disorders clinic

Treatment Options Medical Nutrition therapy Focuses on nutrition education Behavioral therapy Focuses on changing eating habits Cognitive behavioral therapy Focuses on changing unrealistic thinking Family therapy Focuses on developing supportive family attitudes Drug therapy May involve antidepressant medication if a patient does not respond to other therapies

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Quiz List four characteristics of anorexia. What types of treatment are available to persons who suffer from eating disorders? In recent years, a number of celebrities have admitted to having eating disorders. Do you think such publicity has a positive or negative effect? Explain.