1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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