Eating Disorders and body image

Anorexia nervosa characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss relentless pursuit of thinness through self-starvation and REFUSAL to maintain a normal or healthy weight distortion of body image and intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, see themselves as overweight, even when they are starved or are clearly malnourished

When a person with anorexia looks into a mirror they do not see an accurate reflection. A person with anorexia sees themselves as fat, even if they are dangerously thin

4 Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa 1. Refusal to maintain weight within a normal range 2. Intense fear of weight gain despite being underweight 3. Severe body image disturbance in which body image is the greatest measure of self worth 4. Absence of menstrual cycle for greater than 3 cycles

2 subtypes of anorexia nervosa Restricting Subtype: restrict their food intake to lose weight Binge Eating/Purging Subtype: engage in binge eating or purging behavior -Either subtype may also use compulsive exercise to reduce their weight

Bulimia nervosa characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food followed by a type of behavior that compensates for the binge, such as purging (vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics), fasting and/or excessive exercise Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia can fall within the normal range for their age and weight Fear of gaining weight, want to lose weight

Binge = consuming a larger amount of food than most people would eat during the same time period within a short period of time Characterized by a feeling that one CANNOT STOP. Following a binge, an individual may feel consumed with guilt or shame. Purging is a way to compensate for binging.

Bulimia Nervosa Criteria Recurrent binge eating with a feeling of a lack of control 2. Repeated behaviors to make up for binging (vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercising) 3. Binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur at least twice a week for 3 months 4. Dissatisfaction with body shape and weight

Subtypes of Bulimia nervosa Purging Subtype: regularly engages in self-induced vomiting or misuses of laxatives/diuretics Non-purging Subtype: person uses other strategies such as excessive exercise or fasting

Binge Eating Disorder Characterized by insatiable cravings that are filled with shame Often rooted in poor body image, use of food to deal with stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem Do not purge, so individuals are more likely to be overweight or obese Not the occasional craving, over-eating when you are hungry, or the overindulgence

Criteria for Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder Loss of control over amount of eating Distress over binge Binge occurs at least 1x per week for 3 months And, THREE or more of the following: Eating more rapidly than normal Eating until uncomfortably full Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry Eating alone because of embarrassment Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty after overeating

Being overweight or obese does NOT mean you have a Binge Eating Disorder. Binge Eating Disorder is a psychiatric disorder and is an indication for both medical and psychological disorders

Medical complications caused by eating disorders Bone thinning Slowed growth Heart problems Digestion problems Dry skin, brittle hair and nails Dental erosion and enlarged salivary glands Inflammation and rupture of the esophagus Infertility Liver and kidney problems Low body temperature Seizures Early death

Warning signs Unnatural concern about body weight Dramatic weight loss Obsession with calories Use of any medicines to keep from gaining weight Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food Excessive exercise regimen

treatment There are many resources available for people with eating disorders Best combination of treatment includes a physician, nutritionist, and a mental health professional

Important To Note Eating Disorders can effect anyone and it is unclear as to what really causes eating disorders but it can be a combination of genetics, social pressure, family stress and psychological factors (depression, anxiety). Eating Disorders can be triggered by bullying, media, peer pressure, traumatic events and family stress It’s important to encourage positive body image

Be-you-tiful Write something positive about yourself or something you like about your body Write something positive about the person sitting next to you and give it to them

Works cited http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org