Eating Disorders
Unit 2 – Food and You
Brainstorm reasons that eating disorders are
so prevalent in our society.
For example, food is abundant, and certain body
shapes are valued. What messages do the
media give about food and physical beauty?
Anorexia Nervosa

Self-starvation

Behavioral signs =




obsessive exercise
calorie and fat gram counting
restriction of food
persistent concern with body image
Other Characteristics of Anorexia



Incredibly sensitive of weight
Massive fear of gaining weight
Desire to control
Effects of Anorexia

Lowered heart rate, body temperature,
constipation, lowered blood pressure and
lowered breathing rate.

5-20% die from this disorder
Health Consequences




Muscle loss and weakness
Slow heart rate and risk of heart failure
Trouble sleeping
Severe dehyrdation
This is what they see…
Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating then purging

Regularly engages in



strict diet plan
diet pills
compulsive exercise.
Other Characteristics of Bulimia


Hide a food stash and eat secretly
Weight could fluctuate (but average)
Effects of Bulimia



Damages the esophagus, teeth, gums
Constant sore throats
Irregular heart beats, can lead to heart
failure
Health Consequences





Tooth decay
Constipation
Faulty heartbeat
Stomach ulcers
Kidney problems
Binge Eating

Behavior

Large amounts of food
Characteristics of Bulimia



Have an “addiction” to food
Tend to be overweight and are aware of
their abnormal eating habits
Use food for comfort, and as a way to deal
with all emotions
Effects of Binge Eating Disorder


Causes weight gain
High blood pressure, high cholesterol
levels, heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder
disease
Health Consequences




Heart Disease
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Gallbladder Disease
Causes of Eating Disorders

Psychological factors


Relationships



Ridicule of weight
Abused
Body Image


Food to cope with emotions
Unrealistic images of body shape/weight
Chemistry


Chemical imbalances in the brain
Much is till to be learned in this area.
Facts


77% report duration from 1 to 15 years
86% report onset of illness by the age of 20





10% = 10 years or younger
33% = ages 11-15
43% = ages 16-20
Only 50% report being cured
6% die
Celebrities with Eating Disorders







Paula Abdul
Fiona Apple
Courtney Cox
Whitney Houston
Courtney ThorneSmith
Calista Flockhart
Jane Fonda








Audrey Hepburn
Elton John
Monica Lewinsky
Kate Moss
Elvis Presley
Christina Ricci
Richard Simmons
Billy Bob Thornton
Warning Signs




Preoccupied with weight, weight loss,
calories and food
Going to the bathroom right after eating a
meal
Eating excessive amounts of food and not
gaining weight
An obsession to burn off calories
Warning Signs





Extreme weight loss
Low-self esteem
Perfectionism
Signs of vomiting or laxative use
Stealing, hiding, or hoarding food
What can be done?





Medical Nutrition therapy
Behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Family therapy
Drug therapy
Athletes and Eating Disorders




Ballet and other
dance
Figure skating
Gymnastics
Running




Swimming
Rowing
Horse Racing
Wrestling