2. For the Public to Understand the Mind of an Eating Disorder BULIMIA NERVOSA Tori Hansen

3. DEFINING EATING DISORDERS An eating disorder is an unhealthy relationship with food and weight that with many areas of a person’s life. One’s thoughts become preoccupied with food, weight or exercise.” - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

4. WHO CAN HAVE EATING DISORDERS? Anyone! Most common in adolescent and young adult females Effects 1 in 10 men Common in athletes (gymnast, wrestlers, swimmers, cheerleaders, etc.) “Eating Disorders affect up to 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide.” - The Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders

5. TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS Binge Eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Eating disorders are related to other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, addictive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

6. WHAT IS BULIMIA NERVOSA? will experience frequent episodes of “binge-eating,” or episodes where they consume a large amount of food. These episodes are followed by an act to compensate the binge by purging, fasting, or excess exercise. A person with bulimia nervosa…

7. THE CYCLE OF BULIMIA NERVOSA The desire to be thinDiet restriction Hunger/ deprivation of nutrients Binge episode Purging Feeling of guilt and shame

8. The desire to be thin “I’m afraid I will get fat” “I need to be skinny to be on the team” “I need to be skinny in order for people to like me” “I’ll be happier if I am skinny” “I need to be thin like that person” People who suffer from Bulimia Nervosa have the desire to be thin. They may be underweight, overweight, or of average weight, but they feel social and cultural pressures to be thin. They become afraid of gaining weight.

9. Diet Restriction “I’m not hungry” “If I eat that, I will get fat” “That’s too many calories” I don’t need to eat anything” Because they feel pressure to be thin, people with bulimia nervosa will restrict their diet in order to feel as though they have control of their weight.

10. Binge Episode “I haven’t eaten all day, so I can eat this” “This is the only time I've eaten today, which will keep me thin” “I’m thin enough, I’ll worry about being fat later” Restriction in diet will leave the body undernourished, effecting the body physically. At this point, the person suffering from bulimia will consume a large amount of food in a short period of time.

11. Guilt and Shame “I feel disgusting” “I’m fat” “I don’t want anyone to see me like this” “I should not have eaten all of that” “I’m never eating anything ever again” I’m ugly” After a binge episode, the person will feel out of control and become physically and emotionally stressed. Guilt, shame and fear will consume the person, and their desire to be thin will once again become overwhelming.

12. Purging “I need to go to workout because I just ate so much” “I can’t eat anything tomorrow because I ate this” “I can get rid of everything I just ate” The person feels overwhelmed and feels the need to undo their binging behavior. The will excessively exercise, vomit, take laxatives, or starve themselves in order to gain back control.

13. PHYSICAL EFFECTS ON THE BODY Tooth decay Irregular bowel movements Ulcers Electrolyte imbalance Inflammation / burning of esophagus Loss of menstrual cycle in woman Infertility Decreased immune system Heart failure

14. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS Headaches Muscle weakness Fatigue Irritability Hair loss Dehydration Heartburn Bloating Dry skin Changes in sleep

15. EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF BULIMIA NERVOSA Low self-esteem Anxiety Depression Self-abusive behavior Social isolation

16. SIGNS A PERSON IS SUFFERING FROM BULIMIA NERVOSA The Person... Is preoccupied about their body weight Has a distorted and excessively negative body image Shows signs of binging and purging Shows changes in mood

17. TREATMENT Seek Help! You’re not alone! Contact a doctor See a recommended therapist Talk to friends and family Find online support groups. You can visit http://www.anad.org/ for help and support. http://www.anad.org/

18. HOLISTIC APPROACH TO TREATMENT Bulimia nervosa is an emotional disorder that often co-exist with anxiety, depression, addictive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post- traumatic stress disorder. In order to treat bulimia nervosa, it is important to find the root of the problem. A person should… Reduce stress levels Identify emotional triggers which may have other underlying causes that have not been properly addressed Find healthy ways to respond to stress, fear, anger, sadness or shame Develop self confidence

19. WHY EATING DISORDERS ARE A PROBLEM “A Study conducted by Cornell University found that 40% of male football players surveyed engaged in some sort of disordered eating behavior. -Newsweek, 1994 “It is estimated that currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.” -ANAD.org “1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder.” -NIMH “The average woman is 5”4’ and weighs 140 pounds. The average model is 5”11’ and weighs 117 pounds. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.” - National Eating Disorder Association “42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner” - International Journal of Eating Disorders

20. PREVENTION Early Recognition 90 % of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration It is important to be aware of disturbed eating patterns and habits, especially in young adults. The younger a person is who experiences an eating disorder will have a harder time dealing with and recovering from emotional issues associated with the disorder.

21. WHAT WE CAN DO Be role models The media plays a large role in the body image of young adults in America. A shirt for sale at the popular clothing store, Urban outfitters Sophia Bush, a popular actress, saw the shirt and needed to address it.