Eating Disorders

2. Eating Disorders • Extreme and damaging eating behaviors that can lead to sickness and even death • Purge - To rid of, cleanse, purify (vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise) • Malnutrition - Condition in which the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to grow and function properly

3. Anorexia Nervosa • An eating disorder characterized by self-starvation leading to extreme weight loss Symptoms • Intense fear of weight gain or being “fat” • Feeling “fat” or overweight at all times • Extreme concern with body weight and shape • Limit intake of calories

4. Anorexia Nervosa Health Risks • Thin and brittle bones • Risk of starvation • Risk of heart failure • Depression… can lead to suicide • Severe dehydration and kidney failure • Muscle loss and weakness • Fainting and fatigue • Dry hair and skin – hair loss • Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

5. Bulimia Nervosa • Secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging • Eating large amounts of food – more than most people would eat in one meal in a short period of time Symptoms • Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging • Purging after a binge • Frequent dieting • Extreme concern with body weight and shape • Going to the bathroom immediately after eating

6. Bulimia Nervosa Health Risks • Damaged tooth enamel and tooth decay from stomach acid. • Hormone imbalance (dehydration, damage to kidneys and liver, and loss of important minerals) • Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting • Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing. • Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse

7. Binge Eating (Compulsive Overeating) • Uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. • Similar to Bulimia without purging Symptoms • Low self esteem • Poor body image • Eating large amounts at one time • Eating alone • Hiding food

8. Binge Eating Health Risks • High blood pressure. • High cholesterol levels. • Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels. • Type II diabetes mellitus. • Gallbladder disease. • Many health risks associated with obesity

9. Compulsive Exercising • Symptoms • Exercising to the point of exhaustion • Exercising when injured/sick • Exercising to burn calories not to stay fit and healthy • Forgetting physical activity can be fun • Occurs when a person repeatedly exercises beyond the requirements of good health

10. Athletes and Eating Disorders • There are certain sports where eating disorders are more prevalent • A high percentage of them are endurance sports that emphasize low body weight • Guesses?

11. Athletes and Eating Disorders • Sports where clothing is revealing or sports emphasize low body weights: • swimming, diving, volleyball, figure skating, cycling, wrestling, dancing, track, cheerleading, gymnastics, body building, etc… • Some coaches and judges put pressure on athletes to be thin by criticizing them and making negative comments about their weight

12. Athletes and Eating Disorders • Athletes with eating disorders often have a higher risk of medical complications • Fatigue • Dizziness • Muscle wasting • Stress fractures • Weakness • Fainting

13. How to Help… • Tell an adult • Convince the person to get help • Get professional help • Encourage the person to join a support group