Eating Disorders (ED): Weighing the Risks Eating disorders are health conditions that may include an abnormal focus on body image and weight. This causes unhealthy eating behaviors that can be deadly. Three main eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating

Causes of ED in General Exact causes of eating disorders is not known, but here are a few suggestions: Poor Self-Esteem Family Problems Cultural View on Physical Appearance/Media Individual Personality Trauma Depression/Stress Peers/Family

Anorexia Nervosa – Elements of self-starvation and weight loss Health Consequences Abnormal slow heart rate/low blood pressure Muscle loss Dehydration Growth of downy body hair Lowered bone density Reduction/disappearance of menstrual cycle Heart disease Signs & Symptoms Obsessive fasting and dieting Irrational fear of fat and gaining weight Disgust with body size Excessive, rigid exercises routines Withdrawal from family and friends

Bulimia Nervosa – often involves binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting Health Consequences Irregular hear beat Irregular bowel movements and constipation because of laxative abuse Tooth decay due to vomiting Gastric rupture Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis Inflammation or rupture of esophagus Signs & Symptoms Feeling “out of control” while overeating massive portions of food quickly and often in secret Overeating and purging – self-induced vomiting/laxative/diuretic abuse Obsession with body weight/shape Stains on teeth caused by vomiting Excessive, rigid exercises routines

Binge Eating – uncontrolled overeating on a regular basis Health Consequences Diabetes Heart disease High blood pressure Gallbladder disease High cholesterol levels Signs & Symptoms Frequently eating excessive amounts quickly and often in secret – even when not hungry Feeling “out of control” while binging Eating huge portions quickly without tasting the food Feeling guilty after binge eating Eating alone Becoming overweight/obese