EATING DISORDERS

Where food is no longer eaten for positive reasons like pleasure and the maintenance of physical health. But used as a weapon to avoid negative experiences and a way of coping with problems. New Zealand research of 15 year olds showed that although 75% were healthy weights 68% of all girls wanted to lose weight. 54% of girls reported that they are dieting and have done so since they were about 13 years old.

An eating disorder is present when a person:

· Is constantly thinking about eating or not eating

· feels out of control around food

· Uses food to meet needs other than hunger

· Becomes obsessed about food, weight and body shape.

It can affect anyone of any weight.

The four main types are as follows:

· Anorexia Nervosa

· Bulimia nervosa

· Bing Eating

· EDOS

The high risk groups are young women with a low or high BMI who have weight concerns, menstrual disturbance, GI disorders or psychological problems.

DSM-IV Anorexia Nervosa

A. Low weight of less than 85% of the expected weight for their age and height.

B. Intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat.

C. Body image disturbances such as becoming unduely influenced by body weight/shape on self-evaluation and denying the seriousness of low weight.

Binging is:

Objective and eating more than most people would and lacking control

Subjective: Eating more than most people would (perceived only by patient) and lack of control.

Triggers include

Depression
Anxiety disorders (OCD)
Family relationship problems
Emotional deregulation

Signs to watch for:

Dramatic weight loss
Wearing loose, bulky clothes
Preoccupation with food-dieting, counting calories
Refusal to eat certain foods-fats/ carbs
Avoiding meal times
Exercising excessively.