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Eating Disorders
(Source: Center For Change)
75% of women are dissatisfied with their appearance.
35% of dieters progress to pathological dieting, of which nearly one fourth will progress to partial or full-syndrome eating disorders.
91% of women recently surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting, 22% dieted often or always.
81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat.
The average woman is 5' 4" and weighs 140 pounds. The average model is 5' 11" and weighs 117. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.
Warning Signs
Caloric restriction, binge eating, secretive eating
Extreme preoccupation with food (preparing food for others, shopping for others, reading recipes and food magazines, thinkg and dreaming about food or binge eating)
Distorted body image (claiming to feel fat when one is emaciated)
Abuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, diet pills
Inordinate amount of exercise
Dangers
Of Anorexia Nervosa
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85 percent or less of normal body weight
- Weakened heart and slow heart rate
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Reduce body temperature, sensitivity to cold, cold hands and feet
- Loss of menstrual period
- Growth of body hair
- Lowered resistant to infection
- Dizziness, muscular weakness, and fatigue
- Emaciation
- Altered brain function and size
Dangers
Of Bulimia Nervosa
- Weight fluctuations
- Potential heart irregularities
- Swollen glands, chipmunk cheeks, and puffiness around the face
- Fluctuating blood pressure
- Menstrual irregularities. Abdominal pain
- Chemical imbalance which can cause dehydration, fatigue, heart irregularities and cardiac arrest
- Tooth decay, and gum erosion from regurgitated stomach acids. Damage to esophagus. Sore throat, hoarse voice.
9 ways you can help someone with an eating disorder
(excerpted from Center For Change)
- Learn about eating disorders and treatments
Local hospitals, libraries, mental health organizations, eating disorder specialists are good sources of information.
- Seek professional help
Of all psychiatric disorders, anorexia/bulimia has the highest mortality rate. Do all you can to stabilize your loved one's medical condition and prepare them for appropriate treatment options.
- Help your loved one recognize the problem
Those suffering from an eating disorder cannot begin changing their beliefs and behaviors until they admit they are struggling. Be prepared for strong reactions. Be compassionate without being manipulated by your loved one.
- Have meaningful communication
Try to be objective, calm, and caring. Avoid fixing blame or guilt. Be sensitive, but be firm. Respect privacy.
- Interact in ways that do not center on the eating disorder
Express love consistently, not just when they are doing well with food or with gaining weight. Do not shield them from the consequences of the eating disorder.
- Develop a support network
Find people you can talk with openly about your feelings and experiences, fears and frustrations, and your plan of action. Find a support group.
- Be a good role model
Be a good example with food and when discussing food or weight related issues. Eat a well balanced diet, exercise moderately.
- Don't blame yourself
There is no single cause for an individual's eating disorder. Whatever your mistakes or weaknesses, you did not create the eating disorder.
- Take care of yourself and be patient
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