Eating Disorders & Body Image

BRIEF SUMMARY

Eating disorders — such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder – include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/general-information). Eating disorders affect people of every age, race, gender, and socio-economic status (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/diversity).

KEY POINTS

• Types of Eating Disorders include: Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, as well as Additional Eating or Feeding Disorders (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/types-symptoms-eating-disorders).
• Eating disorders are commonly thought to be tied to emotional issues and feelings toward the self and self-worth, rather than truly being about food, although the disorders generally manifest with preoccupations about food and weight.
• Eating Disorders can have serious physical health consequences which depend on the type of Eating Disorder.
• Eating Disorders can result in serious oral health consequences.
• The most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/treatment).

SHARED WISDOM

• What I have learned
• What I have learned

RESOURCES

• National Eating Disorders Association: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

  Mayo Clinic Information on Eating Disorders:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/basics/definition/con-20033575

  American Psychological Association Information on Eating Disorders: http://www.apa.org/topics/eating/ 

  National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/general-information/

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