Eating Disorders

Extreme and damaging eating behaviors that can lead to sickness and even death

Purge - To rid of, cleanse, purify (vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise)

Malnutrition - Condition in which the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to grow and function properly

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by self-starvation leading to extreme weight loss

Symptoms Intense fear of weight

gain or being “fat”

Feeling “fat” or overweight at all times

Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Limit intake of calories

Anorexia Nervosa Health Risks Thin and brittle

bones

Risk of starvation

Risk of heart failure

Depression… can lead to suicide

Severe dehydration and kidney failure

Muscle loss and weakness

Fainting and fatigue Dry hair and skin – hair

loss Growth of a downy layer

of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

Bulimia Nervosa

Secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging

Eating large amounts of food – more than most people would eat in one meal in a short period of time

Symptoms Repeated episodes of

bingeing and purging Purging after a binge Frequent dieting Extreme concern with

body weight and shape

Going to the bathroom immediately after eating

Bulimia Nervosa Health Risks

Damaged tooth enamel and tooth decay from stomach acid.

Hormone imbalance (dehydration, damage to kidneys and liver, and loss of important minerals)

Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting

Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing.

Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse

Binge Eating (Compulsive Overeating)

Uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full.

Similar to Bulimia without purging

Symptoms Low self esteem Poor body image Eating large

amounts at one time

Eating alone Hiding food

Binge Eating Health Risks

High blood pressure.

High cholesterol levels.

Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels.

Type II diabetes mellitus.

Gallbladder disease.

Many health risks associated with obesity

Compulsive Exercising

Occurs when a person repeatedly exercises beyond the requirements of good health

Symptoms• Exercising to the point of exhaustion• Exercising when injured/sick• Exercising to burn calories not to stay fit and healthy • Forgetting physical activity can be fun

Athletes and Eating Disorders

There are certain sports where eating disorders are more prevalent

A high percentage of them are endurance sports that emphasize low body weight

Guesses?

Athletes and Eating Disorders

Sports where clothing is revealing or sports emphasize low body weights:› swimming, diving, volleyball, figure

skating, cycling, wrestling, dancing, track, cheerleading, gymnastics, body building, etc…

Some coaches and judges put pressure on athletes to be thin by criticizing them and making negative comments about their weight

Athletes and Eating Disorders Athletes with

eating disorders often have a higher risk of medical complications

› Fatigue› Dizziness› Muscle wasting› Stress fractures› Weakness› Fainting

How to Help…

1. Tell an adult

2. Convince the person to get help

3. Get professional help

4. Encourage the person to join a support group