Recognizing and Preventing Eating Disorders

Recognizing and Preventing Eating Disorders Danielle Oakley, PhD University Counseling Center Colorado State University C-36 Clark Building What is an eating disorder?  A condition in which emotional, psychological, and behavioral resources are focused on specified eating patterns, weight management practices, and attitudes about weight and body image. What causes an eating disorder?  Biology Genetics  Chemical imbalances   Psychology Perfectionism  All-or-none thinking  Feeling out of control  Poor coping skills  Inability to express emotions  Causes (cont’d)  Sociology Media  Role models  Four types of eating disorders  Anorexia Nervosa  Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder Eating Disorder NOS   Anorexia Nervosa (1%)  Characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss Refusal to maintain weight at 85% of healthy recommendations for height  Intense fear of gaining weight  Distorted body image  Loss of 3 consecutive menstrual periods  Extreme concern for weight and shape  Bulimia Nervosa (1-3%)  Cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors Eating large quantities of food in a short period of time  Feeling out of control of eating behavior  Engaging in purging behaviors (i.e., vomiting, exercising, diet pills, laxatives, diuretics, and fasting)  Extreme concern for weight and shape  Binge Eating Disorder (.7-4%)  Recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviors Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time  Feeling out of control of eating behavior  Eating when not hungry  Secretive eating  Warning signs (91%) Emphasis on weight or shape  Focus on weight or shape to evaluate self-worth  Fear of eating in front of others  Skipping meals  Guilt after eating  Obsessive calculation of calories and fat grams  Warning signs (cont’d) Categorizing food as “good” or “bad”  Exercising out of guilt, not because of health  Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating  Frequent weighing  Negative evaluation of self after looking in the mirror  Consequences of eating disorders Mood swings  Depression  Social isolation  Inability to focus  Poor concentration  Internal bleeding  Heart failure  Consequences (cont’d) Fainting  Headaches  Brittle nails  Hair loss  Loss of bowel control  Eroding tooth enamel  Stress fractures  Inability to have children  Consequences (cont’d) Fatigue  Difficulty sleeping  Death (20% of those who do not seek treatment)  Prevention Be knowledgeable about eating disorders  Recognize that eating disorders affect women and men (10%)  Tell others about the dangers of dieting  Emphasize characteristics in yourself and others that have nothing to do with appearance  Prevention (cont’d) Become critical of the media and the messages it sends about beauty  Discourage the idea that a certain weight will lead to happiness  Express your concerns to someone you believe has warning signs  Seek help if you develop warning signs  Role model focusing on inner beauty  Prevention (cont’d) Don’t express caring with food  Respect various body types and sizes  Model eating a variety of foods  Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad”  Eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full  Exercise in moderation  Love your body Thank your body for all it does  Wear clothes that are comfortable  Surround yourself with healthy role models who love their bodies  Spend time with people who love your body no matter what size it is  Give your body the fuel it needs to accomplish your goals and dreams  Love your body (cont’d) Measure your self-worth in good deeds, not by how much you weigh  Exercise your body because you love the way it feels when you move  Pamper your body (i.e., massages, pedicures, bubble baths)  Get your body help by seeing a professional  Resources  University Counseling Center Individual  Couples  Family  Group   Hartshorn Health Services Medical evaluation  Nutritional consultation  Resources (cont’d)  Campus Recreation  Personal trainers Office of Women’s Programs and Studies  National Eating Disorders Association  Gurze Books 