Eating disorders Supported by

Statistics In February 2015, it was estimated that more than 725,000 people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder  11% of these cases were male. Most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders are most commonly found in adolescents There were cases of eating disorders in people as young as 6 and as old as 70. More information: https://www.b-eat.co.uk/about-beat/media-centre/information-and-statistics-about-eating-disorders

Anorexia nervosa characterised by excessive weight loss self-starvation preoccupation with food/constantly thinking or talking about food anxiety about gaining weight or being ‘fat’ denial of hunger consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes excessive, rigid exercise regime to burn off calories withdrawal from usual friends

Anorexia What to look for rapid loss of weight change in eating habits withdrawal from friends or social gatherings peach fuzz hair loss or dry skin extreme concern about appearance or dieting

Bulimia nervosa Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviour in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas or other medications. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for three months. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa.

Bulimia: symptoms eating large amounts of food uncontrollably (binging) purging or vomiting excessive concern about body weight depression or changes in mood irregular menstrual periods unusual dental problems, swollen cheeks or glands, heartburn or bloating (swelling of the stomach)

Warning signs to look for evidence of binge eating evidence of purging behaviors excessive, rigid exercise regime unusual swelling of the cheeks and jaw area discoloration or staining of teeth

Binge eating disorder/compulsive overeating Characterised primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge. People who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.

Risk factors low self-esteem feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life depression, anxiety, anger or loneliness

Interpersonal factors troubled family and personal relationships difficulty expressing emotions and feelings history of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight history of physical or sexual abuse

Social factors cultural pressures that glorify ‘thinness’ and place value on obtaining the ‘perfect body’ narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and shapes cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths

Dangers of Photoshop = Expectation of Perfection

Photos show us that we ‘should’ be thinner

That we ‘should’ be fitter and have more muscle

That we ‘should’ have perfect skin

Treat the mind, not just the body Watch video: https://youtu.be/wh6hATrO1As

Beat the Silence Watch video: https://youtu.be/DLGd_sDIajk

Never Good Enough Watch video: https://youtu.be/QRQFk_cmYNY