Eating DisordersLife Education 1

Myth vs. FactsMyth: Skipping meals causes

someone to lose weight quicker◦Fact: Skipping meals (especially

breakfast) causes the body to retain fat to use as energy later

Myth vs. FactIt is always easy to tell if

someone has an eating disorder◦Fact: People can have eating

disorders that few, if any, other people know about

Myth vs. FactEating disorders are mostly a

female issue◦Fact: Males can suffer from eating

disorders as well and usually go un/misdiagnosed. Males are also likely to suffer from an exercise disorder

Weight ManagementWhat is weight management?

◦A program of SENSIBLE EATING and EXERCISE HABITS that will help keep your weight at a healthy level

◦Weight management requires a good diet AND exercise!

Dangerous Weight Loss PracticesFad Diets: requires major

changes in eating habits and promises quick results

Diet Pills: Weight lost is usually put back on once pills are no longer taken

Surgery: Not the substitute for diet and exercise

Body ImageThe way you perceive your bodyThe way you see yourself or

THINK the way others see you Body Image: How you see and feel

about your appearance and how comfortable you are with your own body

Body ImageNegative social norms:

◦Glorifying skinny models◦Jokes about weight◦Perfectionism

Distorted Body ImageWhen you see something that is

NOT really thereFunhouse Mirror Effect

Eating DisordersWhat are eating disorders?

◦Conditions that involve an unhealthy degree of concern about body weight and shape that may lead to attempts to manage weight in unhealthy ways

◦Physical AND psychological◦Problem for MEN and WOMEN

Common Eating DisordersAnorexia Nervosa:

◦ Self starvation, distorted body image, low body weight

Bulimia Nervosa:◦ Eat food then uses vomiting or laxatives to

rid the body of the foodBinge Eating (Bingeing):

◦ Eating excessively large quantities in one sitting

Purging: ◦ Some times follows bingeing. Involves

vomiting or misusing laxatives to rid the body of food.

AnorexiaSigns and Symptoms:

◦ Intense fear of weight gain◦ Overexercising◦ Preferring to eat alone◦ Preoccupation with calories◦ Extreme weight loss◦ Hair loss on head◦ Weakness/Exhaustion

◦ Treatment: medical, psychological, and nutritional therapy

◦ Family Counseling

BulimiaSigns/Symptoms:

◦Preoccupation with body weight◦Bloodshot eyes and sore throat◦Dental problems◦Bad breath

◦Treatment: Therapy, nutritional counseling

Binge EatingSigns and symptoms

◦Above normal weight◦Bingeing episodes accompanied with

feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of control

◦Treatment: psychological and nutritional therapy

Disordered Eating PatternsNot severe enough to be

classified as a specific eating disorder

Can lead to serious health problems

What can you do?Tell a trusted adultContact doctor, help lines, etc