1. Anorexia, Bulimia, Compulsive Overeating “A,B,C’s” EATING DISORDERS

2. Facts/Statistics About 40-50% of American women are trying to lose weight at any one time. One of every four college-aged women has an eating disorder 90% are women At age 13, 53 % of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen. Nearly 11.7 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the US in 2007. Many experience problems with depression, anxiety, substance abuse and childhood sexual abuse

3. Anorexia Nervosa “Perfect Girl” disease, over-achievers, perfectionists Extreme fear of gaining weight, denial of a problem Eats little or nothing May use laxatives, diet pills, purging, or excessive exercise to lose weight Warning Signs: Extreme weight loss Sensitivity to cold Food-related rituals Avoiding friends Lanugo (down like hair) Distorted body image

4. Bulimia “Hidden” disease, often look to be a “normal” weight Methods: Binging & Purging, laxatives, diuretics, exercise May consumer thousands of calories in one sitting, shop lift Uses bingeing as a way to cope Awareness of problem Extreme guilt and depression Warning Signs: Mood Swings, excuses to go to the restroom Yellow fingernails, yellow teeth Tend to die of cardiac arrest

5. Compulsive Overeating Consumed by food Low self-esteem Consumes thousands of calories Eat to the point of extreme discomfort or pain Inability to stop or control the behavior Is a practice of self-medicating/soothing w/behaviors that evoke feelings of emotional numbness Are often overweight, obese 40 % occur in men “nighttime” eating or sleep eating is common

6. Ways to Help Use “I” statements vs. “You” statements Set a time/place away from others to share your concerns Repeat what you observe Repeat your concern about the person’s health and well-being Avoid placing shame, blame, or guilt Express your continued support for your friend If still concerned, find a trusted adult or medical professional to help “Remember: You cannot force someone to seek help, change their habits, or adjust their attitudes. You will make important progress in sharing your concerns, providing support, and knowing where to go for more info?”