Body Image and Eating Disorders

JournalList five things you like about yourself and list

five things you would like to change about yourself.

Body ImageWhat is body image?

It is a person’s perception of his or her body’s appearance. Teens who have a positive body image like what they see when they look in the mirror

What is body image distortion? It is when a person has an inaccurate visual

perception of ones body. Media’s influence

What stood out to you in that video? How does the media affect teens in regards to

body image? What are magazines and movies trying to

advertise?

The Impact on Women

One study showed that 55% of college women thought that they were overweight though only 6% were

94% of one sample of women wanted to be smaller than they currently were

96% thought that they were larger than the current societal ideal

Half the women in a study said they would rather be hit by a truck than be fat

Celebrity Photoshophttp://mashable.com/2011/12/01/before-and-

after-photos/#36601-14

Eating DisordersEating Disorder- mental disorder in which a

person has a compelling need to starve, to binge or to binge and purge.

Eating disorders are addictions.

Can happen in anyone 5-10% of all eating disorder cases are in male

Risks for developing eating disorders1. Too much emphasis on

appearance.

2. Discomfort with sexual maturity- (puberty)

3. Perfectionism- compelling need to do everything perfectly.

4. Need for control

5. Inability to express emotions

6. Social Pressures from media and peers

7. Pressure felt by athletes

Warning Signs1. Constantly comparing themselves to others

2. Being unhappy with physical appearance

3. Wearing baggy clothes to hide body changes

4. Thinking its disgusting to have menstrual periods

5. Never being satisfied with anything they do

Warning Signs6. Perceiving parent or guardians as never

being satisfied with anything they do

7. Having felt unsafe during childhood (sexual, physical abuse in the family)

8. Feeling secure only when in control of situation

9. Not know what to do when feeling lonely, rejected or depressed

10. Eating, starving, excessively exercising or purging when feeling uncomfortable

Anorexia NervosaBegins with individuals restricting certain

foods, not unlike someone who is dieting. Restrict high-fat foods first Food intake becomes severly limited.

Doesn’t meet that the individual stops eating all together.

Anorexia NervosaMay exhibit unusual behaviors with regards to

food. Preoccupied with thoughts of food and may show

obsessive-compulsive tendencies related to food. May adopt ritualistic behaviors at mealtime May collect recipes or prepare elaborate meals

for others.

Health Consequences Dehydration, constipation, abdominal pain and

nausea

Hair loss

Hormonal changes

Damage to heart, kidneys, and other body organs

Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure

Absence of menstruation

Impaired immune system functions

TreatmentTeam of professionals- physicians, nurses,

dietitians and mental health professionals

Treatment plan addresses physical and emotional health problems

Hospital stay to treat dehydration and malnutrition- feeding tubes

Bulimia Is an eating disorder in which a person binges

and purges.

More common than anorexia nervosa

Occurs in people who are trying to lose weight, tried a diet and were unsuccessful

Generally know they have a problem

People with bulimia may…Binge in private and eat regular amounts when

with people

Have a secret place where they binge

Steal food and/or hide it

Steal money or food

Exercise excessively between binges

Think about food constantly and plan each binge

More on bulimia nervosa

Later age at the onset of the disorder

Are able to maintain a normal weight

Will not seek treatment until they are ready

Two subtypespurging type

self-induced vomiting and laxatives as a way to get rid of the extra calories they have taken in

non-purging type use a period of fasting and excessive exercise to make up for

the binge

Health Consequences Dissolved tooth enamel

Tooth decay

Sore gums

Enlarged salivary glands

Swollen cheeks

Water loss

Depletion of potassium

Increased blood pressure

Impaired bowel function

Damage to heart, kidneys and colon

TreatmentHard to diagnose since they can hide their

behavior

Team of professionals

Treatment plan

Tests to asses damage to the body organs

Dental work

Binge Eating Disorder Is an eating disorder in which a person cannot

control eating and eats excessive amounts.

Diagnosis made when a person binges 2 or more times per week for 6 months

They are obsessed with eating.

Turn to food as a coping mechanism

Protective FactorsGet fit.

Being fit and feeling strong does not mean being thin.

Get Postitive. Never underestimate the power of your self-talk.

Develop yourself.

Spend your time developing your talents and loves

Stop comparing.

Campaign for real beauty