National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feb. 25 - Mar. 1

1. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Feb. 25 - Mar. 1 A program of Screening for Mental Health, Inc. You Can Now Experience An Anonymous Online Eating Disorders Screening by logging onto the JSCC Web Page! Go to “Student Services”, then to “Health Services”. You will see the Online Health Screening Options on the bottom left screen under the yellow heading “Health Events”! Try it! It’s free!

2. PREVALENCE OF EATING DISORDERS More than 5 million Americans suffer from eating disorders 90% of cases of anorexia and bulimia occur in females College women 18-22 have higher rates of bulimia, than those younger, not in college, or over 21. 15% of young women have substantially disordered eating attitudes or behaviors 8% of overweight women and 30% of those seeking treatment from weight loss programs meet criteria for binge eating disorder; 25% of binge eaters may be male

3. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EATING DISORDERS ANOREXIA NERVOSA intense fear of gaining weight; refusal to maintain normal weight restriction of calories; unusual eating habits or rituals vigorous or compulsive exercise BULIMIA NERVOSA frequent episodes of binge eating; shame, fear of gaining weight purging behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, fasting, exercise) hoarding, stealing food; going to the bathroom after meals BINGE EATING DISORDER eating alone; eating until feeling uncomfortable eating large amounts of food when not hungry feeling disgusted, depressed, guilty about overeating

4. PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL EFFECTS OF EATING DISORDERS ANOREXIA NERVOSA sallow complexion, dry skin, hair loss, hollow facial features irregular or ceased menstruation; infertility; osteoporosis changes in metabolism and energy cardiac problems, low blood pressure, fatigue, dizziness BULIMIA NERVOSA damaged teeth, swollen cheeks, dehydration, weakness electrolyte imbalance, muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue GI problems, kidney problems BINGE EATING DISORDERS obesity related diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of stroke, sleep apnea, gall bladder disease and several forms of cancer

5. TREATMENT OF EATING DISORDERS Comprehensive Multidimensional Assessment physical exam, mental health evaluation, nutritional counseling Coordinated Care Plan team of eating disorders professionals nutritional rehabilitation/restoration of normal eating patterns and long-term goals Psychotherapy cognitive behavioral, interpersonal individual, family, group Medication antidepressants; other psychotropic agents

6. COMMON CAUSES OFEATING DISORDERS Major life Transitions Family Problems Social/Romantic Problems Failure at School, Work, or Competitive Event Traumatic Event Biological Vulnerability to other Psychiatric Illnesses

7. WHAT SETS THE STAGE FOR COLLEGESTUDENTS TO BE AT RISK? College Environment Psychological Vulnerability of College Students Individual Factors

8. INDIVIDUAL FACTORS WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO AN EATING DISORDER • High self expectations/Perfectionism • Poor body image • Extreme need for approval • Consistently pleasing external demeanor • All or nothing thinking • Low self-esteem • Anxiety/Depression • Ethnic/Cultural identity

9. ATHLETES AND EATING DISORDERS • Athletes in sports which emphasize body size, weight and • appearance are especially at risk • Although there is little evidence that lower body fat affects • performance, it is a passionately held belief • Exercise may precipitate or complicate eating disorders • Usually athletes can continue to play while in treatment • Female athletes are particularly at risk for the triad of • amenorrhea (ceased menstruation), disordered eating and • osteoporosis

10. MEN WITH EATING DISORDERS • 5 to 10 of every 100 eating disorder patients are males • As many as 25% of binge eaters may be male • Excessive exercise is more frequently associated with • males and eating disorders • Males with eating disorders are more likely to have been • overweight • Males may be less likely to pursue treatment for an eating • disorder but eating disorders are just as dangerous for men • as they are for women

11. TIPS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES • Recognize how powerful an eating disorder is and accept • that you alone can’t stop the illness process • Be compassionate toward the person suffering and ask the • individual how you can help • Admit your anger, frustration, helplessness and consider • getting help for yourself from a therapist • Help your loved one to see that there is more to life than • food, weight and shape • Don’t expect the person to be perfect in recovery

12. FACTS ABOUT DIETING • 20 to 24% of men and 33 to 40% of women are actively • dieting to lose weight; an additional 28% of men and • women are dieting to maintain weight • 90 to 95% of dieters regain the weight they lost, most • within 5 years and to a higher weight • 59% of individuals interesting treatment for eating • disorders considered a prolonged period of dieting as a • precipitating event to the onset of their disorder • Dieting can result in a reduced need for energy and an • increased ability to absorb food, leading to weight gain

13. 3 KEYS TO GOOD EATING 7 DIETARY GUIDELINES 3 KEYS TO GOOD EATING: Variety, Balance, Moderation 7 DIETARY GUIDELINES: 1. Eat a variety of foods 2. Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruit 3. Balance the food you eat with physical activity 4. Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol 5. Choose a diet moderate in sugars 6. Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium 7. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation

14. WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BODY IMAGE • Develop criteria for self-esteem other than appearance • Reduce exposure to negative media images • Exercise for strength, fitness, health, not for weight control • Seek out other who respect and care about your body • Identify and change negative thoughts about your body • Look for the issues that are really bothering you • Seek professional help, if necessary • Control what you can, forget about what you can’t