1. Eating Disorders

2. Eating Disorders
COMPLEX and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences on physical and emotional health and relationships
An estimated 3-6% will die—a higher death rate than for any other mental illness

3. ONE OUT OF SIX PEOPLE WITH AN EATING DISORDER IS MALE

4. Causes of Eating Disorders
Cultural foundation—desire for bodily perfection
Feelings of low self-worth
Feelings of lack of control
Pressure to maintain a certain weight for sport or other activity

5. Anorexia Signs and Symptoms
Weight loss
Intense, persistent fear of gaining weight
Compulsive behaviors (exercise, counting calories, changing clothes)
Refusal to eat, dieting, denial of hunger

6. Anorexia symptoms cont.
Excessive facial/body hair
Sensitivity to cold
Absent or irregular menstruation
Hair loss

7. How does it hurt the body?
Heart, kidney, and liver damage
Dehydration
Electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalance

8. Bulimia
Binge eating (usually in secret) followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics)

9. Signs or Symptoms
Preoccupation with food
Compulsive exercise
Swollen salivary glands
Broken blood vessels in eyes

10. How does it hurt the body?
Esophageal tears
Dehydration
Tooth/gum erosion
Electrolyte imbalance

11. Psychological Repercussions
Depression
Shame and guilt
Distorted body image
Withdrawal
Impaired family and social relationships
perfectionism

12. How to help
Professional assessment/intervention is required and available
Be consistent; insist that they need help
Listen with understanding, respect, and sensitivity