Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphic

Disorder

Entry TaskDo you think that our society puts too much

pressure on on ‘being perfect’?

Do you think the media adds pressure to us looking or even acting a certain way?

What is an eating disorder?Eating disorders include extreme thoughts,

emotions, and behaviors surrounding weight, food, and body shape.

There is a disruption in eating behaviors and weight management as well as intense anxiety about body weight and size.

Eating disorders are often a dangerous response to stress. They are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males.

Most cases revolve around CONTROL

Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia)Restricted eating, self-starvation and

excessive weight loss. Refusal to maintain weight at or

above a minimally normal weight for height, age, body type, and activity level.

Intense fear of gaining weight and an unrealistic fear of becoming fat also exist.

Body image is distorted, and the person may feel fat despite being underweight.

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa Obvious, rapid weight loss Soft, fine hair growing on the face and body (Lanugo) Rituals with food and eating habits Frequent, strenuous exercise Depression Solitude Hair loss or thinning of hair Fatigue Mood swings Loss of periods in women (Amenorrhea) Bad Breath (Ketosis)

Bulimia Nervosa (Bulimia)Characterized by a cycle of binge

eating followed by purging. Binge eating refers to eating large

amounts of food in a short period of time. The person feels out of control during the binge. Purging may include: self-induced vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, fasting, abusing diet pills, or excessively exercising.

An extreme concern with body weight and shape is present.

Signs of Bulimia Nervosa Dehydration caused by frequent vomitingElectrolyte imbalance which can lead to cardiac

arrestInfertilityWeight fluctuationsDental erosionMarks or scars on the handsConstant trips to the bathroomLow blood pressure

Teeth can be damaged by constant vomiting, the stomach acids can erode teeth and damage gums.

Scars, cuts, and marks on the hands, knuckles, and fingers can be a sign of Bulimia.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder A type of chronic mental illness in which the person can't stop

thinking about a flaw in their appearance — a flaw that is either minor or imagined.

The person’s appearance seems so shameful to them that they don't want to be seen by anyone.

Intensely obsess over their appearance and body image, often for many hours a day.

The perceived flaw causes significant distress, and the obsession impacts the person’s ability to function in their daily life.

May seek out numerous cosmetic procedures or excessively exercise to try to "fix” the perceived flaw, but are never satisfied.

Body dysmorphic disorder is also known as dysmorphophobia, the fear of having a deformity.

Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Preoccupation with your physical appearance with extreme self-consciousness Frequent examination of yourself in the mirror, or the opposite, avoidance of

mirrors altogether Strong belief that you have an abnormality or defect in your appearance that

makes you ugly Belief that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way Avoidance of social situations The need to seek reassurance about your appearance from others Frequent cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction Excessive grooming, such as hair plucking or skin picking, or excessive

exercise in an unsuccessful effort to improve the flaw Comparison of your appearance with that of others Reluctance to appear in pictures

The Real-Life Barbie and Ken???Barbie and Ken?

The Statistics on Eating DisordersUp to 24 million people of all ages and genders

suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of

any mental illness.Almost 50% of people with eating disorders meet

the criteria for depression.Only 1 in 10 men and women with eating disorders

receive treatment and only 35% of people that receive treatment get treatment at a specialized facility for eating disorders.

An estimated 10-15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male, the remaining 85-90% are female.

What to do if you suspect someone is battling an eating disorder..

Be patient – they may deny their problem at first so give them time (let them know that you are happy to listen if they want to talk)

Discuss your concerns with them and encourage them to get help – let them know that it is serious

Tell someone else– remember that you are not a counselor

Encourage them to see their doctor