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GET REAL!. Real Expectations. Real Role Models. Real Information. Get Real. Imagine… A favorite loved one A break from mirrors and media What is “self-improvement?”. Get Real. Goals of this Presentation: Understand social pressures and how they influence body image and eating concerns
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GET REAL! Real Expectations. Real Role Models. Real Information.
Get Real • Imagine… • A favorite loved one • A break from mirrors and media • What is “self-improvement?”
Get Real • Goals of this Presentation: • Understand social pressures and how they influence body image and eating concerns • Challenge dieting, fat and fitness beliefs • Provide resources to learn more about disordered eating
Get Real Expectations • Social pressures to be thin: • 42% of 6-9 year old girls want to be thinner • 80% of women in the U.S. are dissatisfied with their appearance • 50% of girls ages 12-14 are unhappy because they “feel fat” • 25% of men and 45% of women are dieting on any given day in the U.S.
Get Real Role Models • Media messages influence attitudes and behaviors • 5,000 Ads per day! 1/3 involve appearance ideals • Models are thinner than 98% of American women • Americans spend $40 billion/year on diet products • Any of these can lead to negative body image
Get Real Information • Genetics influence body type and size • Like eye color and skin color, body size is strongly influenced by genetics • Experiment: Eating and exercising the same amount would not make everyone the same size and shape! • Eating and exercise habits cannot be determined based on appearance
Get Real Information • Weight gain is normal and should be expected • On average, girls ages 11-14 will gain 40 pounds as they go through puberty • Boys grow taller before gaining muscle, this process can take several years • Some kids grow out then up, others will grow up then out – everybody is different • Puberty and late teen/early adult years are the two most common times of onset for disordered eating
Get Real Information • Dieting can have serious, even life-threatening, side effects • Dieting behaviors can spiral out of control into disordered eating • Anorexia – Dramatic weight loss, phobic fear of fat • Bulimia – Cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors • Binge Eating Disorder – Frequent episodes of uncontrolled overeating
Get Real Information • The causes and effects of disordered eating are complex • Disordered eating can arise from a combination of behavioral, emotional, biological, interpersonal and social factors. • Risk Factors: • Low self-esteem • Feelings of inadequacy, lack of control • Depression, anxiety • Troubled family or personal relationships • Difficulty expressing emotions • History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight • Perfectionism, achievement-oriented • Desire for control
Get Real - Stay Healthy • Listen to Your Body • Think of food as fuel • Avoid extremes – focus on moderation, balance and variety • Beware of the “good foods” vs. “bad foods” dichotomy • What are your cravings telling you?
Get Real Help • Know the warning signs • Follow your instincts, trust your concerns • Early detection is critical
Get Real Help • How to help a friend or loved one • Share your concerns in a supportive way • Mention specific examples and share feelings • Express your love and support • Be prepared with resources: • www.NationalEatingDisorders.org • Information & Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237
Get Real – Get Involved • What can I do?? • Remove ads and photos from magazines that promote unhealthy appearance ideals • Surround yourself with positive images and messages • Compliment accomplishments and characteristics before appearance • Use your buying power: write letters to companies and advertisers, shop selectively
Get Real “The pursuit of perfection is, in truth, an empty, endless cycle that leaves (us) emotionally and spiritually bereft, as a preoccupation with external appearance undermines inner beauty.” Margo Maine, Body Wars