An eating disorder is an abnormal eating pattern that endangers physical and mental health. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are the most common types of eating disorder. They are most common among teenage and young adult women, but males and other age groups can develop these disorders too.

Common Characteristics of People with Eating Disorders Fear of becoming overweight Poor body image(see self as overweight) Low sense of self-worth Preoccupation with food Distorted feelings about hunger and satiety (fullness) Emotionally withdrawn from friends High achievement orientation High stress levels Secretive eating behaviours

Causes of Eating Disorders The causes of eating disorders are complex and may be intertwined. A single factor may not be lead to problem eating patterns. However, when several factors occur together, an eating disorder may be triggered.

EATING DISORDERS ( Unfortunately a single cause of eating disorders has not been found to date. There are a variety of influencers with eating disorders including personality, genetic, socio-cultural, familial, and experiential factors. Each individual is different and there are no two stories the same. A study from 2001 to 2003 with 2,980 in-person interviews about eating disorders published in the Journal of Biological Psychiatry showed that almost 6 in 100 women had reported having an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating) sometime in their lives. Almost 3 in 100 men reported their experience with the same eating disorders. (The Toronto Star, 02/05/2007 B7)

Probable Causes of Eating Disorders Social Influences  Media emphasis on thinness  Changing role expectations for women – career, success, and family

Psychological Influences  A need for control  Poor self-esteem  Need for acceptance and approval  Unrealistic self- expectations  Inability to cope  Family stresses

Genetic Influences  Hormonal imbalance  Depression  Other medical causes

Terms To Know… Eating disorder Anorexia nervosa Bulimia nervosa Bingeing Purging Binge eating disorder Female athlete triad

Complete the chart… Use Chapter 14 in the text to complete the chart (handout) on the three most common types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder