Eating

Disorders:
Education & Awareness
Chloe Diamond
NTR 300
December 1, 2014

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions in which
you're so preoccupied with food and weight that you can
often focus on little else.
(via Mayo Clinic)

Anorexia
Nervosa

Eating
Disorders

Bulimia
Nervosa
Eating Disorders
Otherwise Not
Specified (EDNOS)

Binge-Eating
Disorder
Muscle
Dysmorphia

Obesity

Who is at risk?

Male
15%

Female
85%

Source: ANAD

Teenagers and young-adults are most

susceptible to eating disorders.
An estimated
24 million
people in the
United States
have eating
disorders.

Photo Credit: http://theblissproject.com/body-dysmorphic-disorderin-men/

Eating Disorder Sufferer

Gender Breakdown

Contrary to popular belief, women are not the

only gender susceptible to eating disorders
Muscle dysmorphia is most common
amongst young males.

Up to 3.5 percent of women will develop

anorexia at some point during their lifetime,
and up to 4.2 percent will suffer from bulimia.

What are common symptoms of some eating disorders?

Anorexia Nervosa

Fear of gaining weight

Loss of menstrual
period in women
Obsession with food,
health, calories,
specific diets, ect.
Dry skin and growth of
lanugo
Irritability and
emotional distress
Dehydration, irregular
heartbeat, and low
blood pressure

Bulimia Nervosa

Binging well past the

point of being full

Generally with
high sugar, high
fat foods
Using laxatives

Exercising obsessively
Using the bathroom
frequently and
especially after
mealtime
Constant dieting or
fasting behavior and
talk of such
Discolored teeth, visible
tooth and gum damage

Binge-Eating Disorder
Eating alone
Eating large amounts of
food in short periods of
time, sometimes
followed by guilt
Feeling upset with
oneself about the
amount of food
consumed during a
binge episode
Depression is not
uncommon

Source: Mayo Clinic

What should you do if you recognize symptoms in yourself or others?

Get help!
Talk to a trusted friend or relative.
Seek professional help from a psychological or medical professional.

If you suspect your friend may be suffering, do not accuse them off the bat.
Perhaps express light concern to them
Mention you notice theyve lost a bunch of weight
Tell them you are there for them
DO NOT pressure them into seeking help, that is the choice of the individual.

References
1.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eatingdisorders/basics/definition/con-20033575

2.

http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eatingdisorders/eating-disorders-statistics/

3.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eatingdisorders/index.shtml#part1

The sites above provide excellent resources as well! Please visit them
for more information regarding eating disorders and how you can
create change in your own life and the in lives of others.