Body Image, Weight Control, Eating Disorders

Lesson 4 - DHQ Do you know of any eating disorders? What is it? Do you know of any eating disorders? What is it? If not, take a guess to what might happen if someone has an eating disorder (problem). If not, take a guess to what might happen if someone has an eating disorder (problem).

Body Image: *When you look in the mirror do you like what you see?* If you answered Yes, you have a positive body image If you answered Yes, you have a positive body image If you answered No, you have a negative body image If you answered No, you have a negative body image During teen years, physical changes happen rapidly and you may feel unhappy with your body type During teen years, physical changes happen rapidly and you may feel unhappy with your body type You may wish you were taller, shorter, thinner, shapelier, or more muscular You may wish you were taller, shorter, thinner, shapelier, or more muscular

Where does body image come from? Many teens compare their bodies to those of models, athletes, or actors Many teens compare their bodies to those of models, athletes, or actors You should always keep in mind that the images shown in the media aren’t always realistic… You should always keep in mind that the images shown in the media aren’t always realistic…

Photoshop anyone?

Eating Disorders:  Is a food-related dysfunction in which a person changes eating habits in a way that is harmful to the mind and body  Classified as a mental illness Three common eating disorders: 1 - Anorexia Nervosa 2 – Bulimia 3 – Binge Eating

Anorexia Nervosa:  An eating disorder in which an irrational fear of weight gain leads people to starve themselves  People with anorexia see themselves unrealistically as overweight even when they are dangerously thin

Signs of Anorexia: Often people with anorexia develop obsessive behaviors such as: Often people with anorexia develop obsessive behaviors such as: Avoiding food or meals Eating only a few kinds of food in small amounts Weighing or counting calories in everything they eat Exercising excessively Weighing themselves repeatedly

Health Consequences Consequences are related to malnutrition and starvation: Consequences are related to malnutrition and starvation: Bones become brittle Bones become brittle Body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure drops Body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure drops Reduction in organ size Reduction in organ size Heart problems  sudden cardiac death Heart problems  sudden cardiac death

Bulimia:  An eating disorder in which a person has uncontrollable urges to eat excessively and then to rid the body of the food.  “The secret eating disorder” people will “pig out” and then vomit.

Signs of Bulimia:  Repeated episodes of binge eating and then vomiting.  Abuses laxatives, diet pills, diuretics, excessive exercise.  Extreme concern with body weight & shape

Health Consequences The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles can damage the entire digestive system Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as a result of purging behaviors Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting

How to Help… Eating disorders aren't really about food or weight, they are attempts to deal with emotional and stress-related issues You can't force a person with an eating disorder to change, but you can offer your support and encourage treatment. *And that can make a huge difference*

Myths About Eating Disorders Myth #1: You have to be underweight to have an eating disorder. People with eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Many individuals with eating disorders are of average weight or are overweight. Myth #2: Only teenage girls and young women are affected by eating disorders. While eating disorders are most common in young women in their teens and early twenties, they are found in men and women of all ages. Myth #3: People with eating disorders are vain. It’s not vanity that drives people with eating disorders to follow extreme diets and obsess over their bodies, but rather an attempt to deal with feelings of shame, anxiety, and powerlessness. Myth #4: Eating disorders aren’t really that dangerous. All eating disorders can lead to irreversible and even life-threatening health problems, such as heart disease, bone loss, stunted growth, infertility, and kidney damage.