A Serious Mental Disorder Eating Disorders A Serious Mental Disorder

Body Image How you see and feel about your appearance and how comfortable you are with your body

Media In the United States today, the clothing styles and fashion models on tv and in magazines suggest that thin is in and a perfectly toned body is best The men and women on magazine covers represent 1% of Americans

You should have realistic expectations about your size that are based on heredity and should realize that weight and body shape can change frequently and rapidly in teens

Factors Contributing to Eating Disorders Genetics Culture Personality Emotions Family

Eating Disorders… Most common in athletes in sports that require you to be thin or who have to make weight Overachievers Perfectionists Teens with stressful family lives

Bingeing Purging Eating of a large amount of food in one sitting Behavior that involves vomiting or using laxatives to rid the body of food

An obsession with being thin that leads to extreme weight loss Anorexia Nervosa An obsession with being thin that leads to extreme weight loss Treatment: medical, psychological and nutritional therapy and family counseling

Symptoms of Anorexia Intense fear of weight Overexercising Preferring to eat alone Extreme weight loss Loss of period for at least 3 months Hair loss on head

Bulimia Nervosa A disorder that involves frequent episodes of binge eating that are almost always followed by vomiting or using laxatives, fasting or over exercising

Bulimia Treatment: therapy to separate eating from emotions and to promote eating in response to hunger Also, nutritional counseling to review nutrient needs

Symptoms of Bulimia Preoccupation with weight Bingeing with or without purging Bloodshot eyes and sore throat Dental problems Feeling out of control Irregular periods

Binge Eating Disorder Involves frequent binge eating but no purging Frequently underdiagnosed Treatment: psychological and nutritional counseling

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder Above normal body weight Bingeing episodes accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of control

People at Risk of Eating Disorders (Warning Signs) Preferring to eat alone Thinking about food often Weighing yourself often Eating a lot of “diet” foods Constantly counting calories

Help for Eating Disorders Physicians, psychologists, and nutritionists is essential to manage and recover from eating disorders Encourage your friends to seek help from an adult

Eating Disorder Helpline ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) 1-630-577-1300 Or email them with questions at: anadhelp@anad.org