Risks of Fad Diets and Eating Disorders

1. Fad Diets and Eating Disorders Do you… Eat only a few types of food? Follow a liquid diet? Use diet pills? These weight-loss strategies are risky. Not only do they often fail to produce long-term results, but they can also cause serious health problems.

2. Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you will learn to: • Explain the risks of fad diets and other harmful weight-loss strategies • Describe the causes and symptoms of eating disorders • Develop decision-making skills to get help for someone you know who has an eating disorder

3. Risky Weight-Loss Strategies Fad Diets • Fad diets are hard to stick with because they limit food variety. • Some are costly because they require dieters tobuy certain products. • They fail to provide the body with the nutrients it needs for health and growth. • Any weight lost on fad diets is usually regained.

4. Risky Weight-Loss Strategies Liquid Diets A person on a liquid diet replaces all of his or her food intake with a special liquid formula. Some problems with liquid diets: • They do not meet the body’s energy needs, as they are very low-calorie diets. • They often leave the dieter feeling fatigued. • Many do not provide the body with fiber and needed nutrients.

5. Risky Weight-Loss Strategies Dangers of Liquid Diets Relying on high-protein, low-carbohydrate liquids as the only source of nutrients can cause serious health problems and even death. • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): • Requires liquid diet products to carry warning labels. • Recommends that liquid diets be used only under close medical supervision.

6. Risky Weight-Loss Strategies Fasting To fast is to abstain from eating. • Fasting for more than short periods deprives your body of needed nutrients and energy. • If people who are fasting avoid liquids, they may become dehydrated. • Fasting may not be advisable for those with diabetes or other health conditions.

7. Side Effects of Diet Pills Risky Weight-Loss Strategies Diet Pills Many diet pills work by suppressing appetite. A low-risk pill that meets claims of “burning,” “blocking,” or “flushing” fat from the body has not yet been developed. Drowsiness Racing Heart Addiction Dehydration

8. Weight Cycling Weight Loss and Weight Gain • Weight cycling is common in people who follow fad diets. Weight loss on these types of diets is usually from water, not body fat. • Water weight lost is quickly regained. • Slow and steady weight loss is the best strategy for long-lasting results.

9. The Risks of Eating Disorders What Causes Eating Disorders? An eating disorder may be brought on by mental or emotional factors such as: • Poor body image • Family pressures • Social pressures • Perfectionism • Genetics

10. The Risks of Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa • Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder with emotional and physical consequences. • The disorder relates to an individual’s self-concept and coping abilities. • Outside pressures, high expectations, a need to be accepted, and a need to achieve are characteristics associated with the development of anorexia.

11. The Risks of Eating Disorders Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa Medical specialists have found genetics, hormones, and certain brain chemicals to trigger anorexia in some people. • Symptoms: • Extremely low caloric intake • An obsession with exercising • Emotional problems • An unnatural interest in food • A distorted body image • Denial of an eating problem

12. The Risks of Eating Disorders Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa Physical consequences of anorexia are related to malnutrition and starvation. It may stop menstruation in women. Other consequences: • Loss of bone density • Low body temperature • Low blood pressure • Slowed metabolism • Reduction in organ size • Serious heart problems

13. Fasts or follows a strict diet Binges or quickly consumes large amounts of food Purges the food from the body The Risks of Eating Disorders Bulimia Nervosa A person with bulimia nervosa

14. The Risks of Eating Disorders Causes and Symptoms of Bulimia The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but societal pressures, self-esteem issues, and family problems may be factors. Symptoms: • Distorted body image • Unnatural interest in food

15. The Risks of Eating Disorders Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa • Vomiting destroys tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. It also damages the tissues of the stomach, esophagus, and mouth. • Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, kidney damage, and irregular heartbeat. • Frequent use of laxatives can disrupt digestion and absorption and can cause nutrient deficiencies. It can also change the composition of the blood.

16. The Risks of Eating Disorders Binge Eating Disorder People with binge eating disorder consume huge amounts of food at one time but do not try to purge. This disorder may signal the use of food as a coping mechanism for strong emotions or depression.

17. The Risks of Eating Disorders Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder often results in unhealthful weight gain, which contributes to health problems such as: • Type 2 diabetes • Heart disease and stroke • Gallbladder problems • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Increased risk of certain types of cancer

18. The Risks of Eating Disorders Help for Eating Disorders People with eating disorders need professional medical and psychological help. They may also benefit from support groups and clinics.

19. The Risks of Eating Disorders How You Can Help People with Eating Disorders If you believe a friend might be developing an eating disorder, you can: • Discuss the problem with a trusted adult. • Encourage your friend to seek professional help, and be supportive.