National Eating Disorders Association NationalEatingDisorders.org Watch the trailer of "The ABC's of Eating Disorders" - Anorexia - Bulimia - Compulsive Overeating

STATISTICS In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Approximately 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder.

THE DRIVE FOR THINNESS Eating disorders are now the 3rd most common chronic illness in adolescent girls 81% of 10-year-olds restrict eating (diet) At least 46% of 9-year-olds restricted eating Fear of being fat is so overwhelming that young girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of cancer, nuclear war or losing their parents

Anorexia, Bulimia, & Binge Eating Disorder: What is an Eating Disorder? Eating Disorders include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. They are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA Characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Symptoms include: Refusing to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level Intense fear of weight gain or being “fat”, extreme concern with body weight and shape Feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss Loss of menstrual periods

Possible Physical Effects of Anorexia Lighted headed/dizzy Irregular heart beat Body systems slow down Weak immune system Brittle hair/nails Always Cold –no fat Eat away at muscle Kidney failure Heart failure Permanent damage to organs Death 20 % of the time

BULIMIA NERVOSA Symptoms include: Characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food---in short periods of time, then getting rid of the food and calories through vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising. Symptoms include: Extreme concern with body weight and shape Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging Use of any of the following to “purge” body of excess food/calories… Self-induced vomiting Abuse of laxatives Abuse of diet pills and/or diuretics

Possible Physical Effects of Bulimia Laxative abuse… Bloody diarrhea Dehydration Electrolyte imbalance Kidney damage Seizures Dependence on laxatives Self induced Vomiting Chronic raw/sore throat Damage to heart muscle Physical pain/cramping Damaged esophagus Swollen glands/jaws Eroded tooth enamel Loss of teeth

Self induced vomiting laxatives periods of fasting diet pills                                                                                                                                                                         laxatives diet pills diuretics periods of fasting

BINGE EATING DISORDER (also known as COMPULSIVE OVEREATING) Characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled 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.

OTHER INFORMATION… People can often suffer from a combination of the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, and/or binge eating disorder. They may not be JUST on or another – they may go back and forth. Eating disorders require professional help. Slave to My Eating Disorder - Taryn's Story - YouTube

CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERS While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate and control feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one’s life.

Other roots of eating disorders… Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life – low self esteem Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness Troubled family and personal relationships History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight History of physical or sexual abuse Cultural pressures that glorify “thinness” and place value on obtaining the “perfect body” Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings

My Eating Disorder Story - YouTube