1. Eating Disorders

2. Introduction
“Eating disorders are characterized by an obsession with weight that results in severe issues with eating and other behaviors.” MayoClinic.com

3. Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders

4. Anorexia Nervosa
Serious, chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
Starving oneself and/or excessively exercising to prevent weight gain or to continue to lose weight
Obsession with food & being thin
Refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight
Restricting – losing weight by restricting the amount of food you eat

5. Anorexia Nervosa Physical Signs & Symptoms
Thin appearance
Fatigue
Dizziness/Fainting
Brittle Nails
Thinning/Falling out hair
Soft hair covering body
Intolerance of cold
Dry skin
Dehydration
Abnormal blood counts
Absence of menstruation
Constipation
Irregular heart rhythms
Low Blood Pressure
Osteoporosis

6. Anorexia Nervosa Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms
Refusal to eat
Denial of hunger
Excessive exercising
Flat mood, lack of emotion
Difficulty concentrating
Obsession with food

8. Anorexia Nervosa Red Flags to Watch for:
Skipping meals
Making excuses for not eating
Eating only a few “safe” foods – low in fat
Rigid meal/eating rituals
Weighing food
Cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat them themselves
Repeated weighing of themselves
Frequent checking themselves in the mirror
Wearing baggy or layered clothing
Complaining about being fat

9. Medical Complications Anorexia Nervosa
Heart Disease
Hormonal Changes
Imbalance of Minerals & Electrolytes
Nerve Damage
Digestive Problems

10. Bulimia Nervosa
Repeated episodes of binge eating, followed by attempts to prevent weight gain
Vomiting
Laxatives
Compulsive exercise

11. Bulimia Nervosa Binge-eating – eating an excessive amount of food
Purging – getting rid of food or calories by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives or diuretics

12. Bulimia Nervosa Physical Symptoms
Bloating
Loss of Menstrual cycle or irregularities
Abnormal bowel functioning
Dehydration
Fatigue, weakness, depression
Damaged teeth and gums
Swollen glands in the cheeks
Sores in throat & mouth
Intestinal damage

13. Bulimia Nervosa Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms
Constant dieting
Constant episodes of binge eating
Feeling that you can’t control your eating disorder
Eating to the point of discomfort/pain
Following a binge w/efforts to prevent weight gain
Unhealthy focus on your body shape & weight
Distorted, excessively negative body image
Going to the bathroom after eating or during meals
Hoarding food
Depression/anxiety

15. Bulimia Medical Complications
Teeth & Gum Problems
Low Nutrient Levels
Digestive Problems
Abuse of Medications

16. Eating Disorder Treatment Options
Immediate hospitalization for severe cases
Nutrition education
Psychotherapy
Family counseling
Prescription medications

17. Statistics
In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life
By age 6, girls especially start to express concerns about their own weight or shape % of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life.