Nutrition Matters: Eating Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary catalyst that inspires many young people to strive for unrealistic body shapes?

Societal pressures and media portrayals of the ideal body shape

What is the key distinction between having an eating disorder and practicing disordered eating?

Eating disorders are psychological disturbances that lead to abnormal physiological changes and dangerous health complications, whereas disordered eating is chaotic and abnormal food-related practices that are often temporary and situational.

What is the potential outcome when disordered eating behaviors become a lifestyle?

Disordered eating behaviors can lead to serious eating disorders.

What is a common reason why people may adopt disordered eating behaviors?

To lose weight quickly or to cope with stress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate consequence of unrealistic societal beauty standards?

Unhealthy and potentially life-threatening eating practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of this 'Nutrition Matters' section?

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the ideal female figure and the ideal male physique?

The ideal female figure is slim but curvy, and the ideal male physique is lean and muscular. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between television shows and movies and body image?

Television shows and movies often portray thin women and muscular men as happy and successful, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. Signup and view all the answers

According to the DSM-5, how many major types of eating disorders can be diagnosed by physicians?

three Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk factor for eating disorders in adolescents?

Body weight and shape changes during puberty Signup and view all the answers

What is the likelihood of developing an eating disorder if a first-degree relative has anorexia nervosa?

10 times more likely Signup and view all the answers

What often accompanies eating disorders?

Mood and anxiety disorders, as well as substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

In which countries are eating disorders more prevalent?

Industrialized, high-income countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, and many European nations Signup and view all the answers

What type of occupations or activities increase the risk of developing an eating disorder?

Those that encourage thinness, such as ballet, acting, and fashion modeling Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adolescent girls developed an eating disorder in a long-term study?

13% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of individuals with eating disorders?

Distorted view of their body weight or shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the disorder that is more likely to occur in adults?

Binge-eating disorder (BED) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the combination of eating disorders and other health issues commonly seen in athletes?

The Athlete Triad Signup and view all the answers

What is a trigger that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder in an adolescent?

A stressful life event, such as moving away from home to attend college Signup and view all the answers

What is a common health consequence of anorexia nervosa that can lead to mortality?

Heart failure Signup and view all the answers

How do parents influence the development of eating disorders in their children?

By modeling unhealthy behaviors, teasing about body weight, and establishing unhealthy attitudes about body weight and shape Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of anorexia nervosa (AN) that distinguishes it from other eating disorders?

Self-imposed starvation resulting in malnutrition and very low body weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of people with anorexia nervosa who eventually die as a result of the disorder?

6% Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic physical sign of bulimia nervosa?

Bite marks and scars on the knuckles Signup and view all the answers

Why may men experience a delay in diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN)?

Because people assume males are not at risk for eating disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is lanugo, and why do people with anorexia nervosa (AN) often experience it?

A dense, fine white hair that grows on the face and other parts of the body, which helps retain body heat Signup and view all the answers

What is a common dental problem associated with bulimia nervosa?

Dental caries (cavities) Signup and view all the answers

What is a psychological disorder often associated with bulimia nervosa?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavior exhibited by individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) to compensate for eating?

Self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise Signup and view all the answers

How do people with anorexia nervosa (AN) often perceive their body weight, even when they are emaciated?

They deny they are too thin and are overly concerned or fearful about becoming fat Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of people with bulimia nervosa who die as a result of the disorder?

4% Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential physical consequence of anorexia nervosa (AN)?

Lack of adequate amounts of subcutaneous fat to insulate the body, leading to trouble maintaining body heat Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious health risk associated with self-induced vomiting and diuretic abuse in bulimia nervosa?

Fluid and electrolyte imbalances Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of American females are estimated to have anorexia nervosa (AN)?

About 0.5% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavior exhibited by people with bulimia nervosa?

Isolation from social activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of women with anorexia nervosa who eventually develop signs or symptoms of bulimia nervosa?

Half Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for parents and caregivers to model healthy eating behaviors and express a positive attitude toward their own bodies?

To prevent eating disorders among their children and promote a healthy relationship with food and their bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trigger for bingeing in people with bulimia nervosa?

Stressful situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic among individuals with muscle dysmorphia?

Exercise obsessively and may lift weights for hours every day. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three interrelated components of the athlete triad?

Low energy availability, abnormal reproductive system function, and reduced bone mineral density that may lead to osteoporosis. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of female athletes are likely to have all three components of the athlete triad?

16% Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of low energy availability on female reproductive system function?

Abnormal reproductive system function, including menstrual disturbances, such as longer-than-normal intervals between menstrual periods and absence of menstrual periods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the male athlete triad on bone mineral density?

Reduced bone mineral density, which increases the risk of bone fractures. Signup and view all the answers

What type of athletes are at risk of developing the male athlete triad?

Athletes who participate in competitive sports that benefit from a lower body weight, such as distance runners and cyclists, and athletes who have to “make weight” to compete in a lower weight class, such as wrestlers and boxers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Female and Male Athlete Triad Coalition?

To provide information and resources about the athlete triad. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between low energy availability and menstrual cycles in female athletes?

Low energy availability is associated with a deficiency of estrogen, which can cause abnormal reproductive system function, including menstrual disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the long-term consequence of the athlete triad in female athletes?

Premature osteoporosis, which is a serious and long-term consequence of the athlete triad. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to recognize the male athlete triad?

To prevent the long-term consequences of the triad, including reduced bone mineral density and increased risk of bone fractures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of people with BN, and what other disorders are they more likely to have?

People with BN are more likely to have low self-esteem and are also more likely to have bipolar, depressive, and personality disorders. They may also abuse alcohol or other drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between BED and other eating disorders?

BED is an eating disorder that features recurrent episodes of overeating that are not followed by purging behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the common signs and symptoms of binge-eating disorder?

Extreme distress over binge-eating behavior, eating large amounts of food when not hungry, eating rapidly, eating alone, feeling depressed or guilty after the binge, frequently restricting food intake to lose weight. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers a food binge in people with BED?

Stressful events and feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, anger, isolation, and frustration can trigger a food binge. Signup and view all the answers

What is night eating syndrome (NES), and how prevalent is it?

NES is a condition where people experience episodic food binges that are not followed by purging, which take place after the evening meal or when waking up from sleep during the night. Approximately 1 to 2% of the general population may have NES. Signup and view all the answers

What is diabulimia, and what are its potential complications?

Diabulimia is an abusive practice where people with type 1 diabetes manipulate their body weight by skipping insulin injections or using less insulin than prescribed. Complications of long-term diabulimia can include blindness, kidney failure, hypertension, heart attack, permanent heart damage, stroke, and nerve damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is muscle dysmorphia, and who is it most common among?

Muscle dysmorphia is an unhealthy preoccupation with the body being too small or not muscular enough, and it is most common among men, particularly bodybuilders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range when most eating disorders, including BED, typically begin?

People with BED usually develop the condition during adolescence and young adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between people with BED and those with AN or BN in terms of age?

People with BED are usually older than people who have AN or BN. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adult American women and men have been diagnosed with binge-eating disorder?

According to one report, 3.5% of adult American women and 2% of adult American men have been diagnosed with binge-eating disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary goals of prevention efforts in addressing eating disorders?

Fostering individual's body acceptance, improving self-confidence, and challenging the idea that being thin is ideal. Signup and view all the answers

In what settings can treatment for eating disorders occur?

Inpatient hospitalization, residential care, outpatient care, and individual, group, or family counseling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of RDNs in treating eating disorders?

Assessing and treating eating disorders, providing nutritional counseling, and helping stabilize healthy eating patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating eating disorders?

Teaching people healthy coping strategies to use when under stress instead of engaging in unhealthy behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How can you approach someone you suspect has an eating disorder?

Meet privately, express concerns in a caring manner, describe observed behaviors, and suggest seeking expert help. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to encourage someone with an eating disorder to seek help early?

To avoid serious health consequences and improve treatment outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What role do experts in nutrition play in eating disorder treatment?

Helping patients avoid relapse, stabilizing healthy eating patterns, and improving nutrient status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of participating in eating disorder support groups?

Helping prevent relapse and providing ongoing support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating eating disorders?

Addressing critical nutritional needs, medical conditions, and psychological factors. Signup and view all the answers

How can you express concerns to someone with an eating disorder without being judgmental?

Share feelings and concerns in a caring and supportive manner, focusing on how their behavior is affecting you. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

Eating disorders are psychological disturbances that lead to abnormal physiological changes and dangerous health complications.
Disordered eating is chaotic and abnormal food-related practices, such as skipping meals, limiting food choices, following fad diets, and bingeing on food.
Disordered eating behaviors can become harmful and lead to serious eating disorders if adopted as a lifestyle.

Major Types of Eating Disorders

Three main types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge-Eating Disorder (BED).
AN is characterized by self-imposed starvation that results in malnutrition and very low body weight.
BN is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by purging, such as self-induced vomiting, to prevent weight gain.
BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating that are not followed by purging behaviors.

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

Being female
Having a poor self-image
Having low self-esteem and a perfectionist personality
Being in a dysfunctional family environment
Being teased about weight
Being in an occupation or sport that emphasizes a lean body build
Genetic and biological factors
Psychological and personality factors
National origin, income level, occupation, and lifestyle choices

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Characterized by self-imposed starvation that results in malnutrition and very low body weight.
Symptoms include distorted body image, excessive exercising, and severe restriction of food intake.
Health consequences include severe constipation, slow heart rate, hypotension, loss of normal menstrual cycles, and low bone mineral density.
Highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder, with 6% of people with AN eventually dying as a result of the disorder.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by purging, such as self-induced vomiting, to prevent weight gain.
Symptoms include binge eating, purging, and excessive exercising.
Health consequences include erosion of tooth enamel, dental caries, and gastrointestinal problems.
Associated with low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

Characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating that are not followed by purging behaviors.
Symptoms include eating large amounts of food when not hungry, eating rapidly, and feeling guilty or ashamed after eating.
Health consequences include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Associated with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.

Other Unhealthy Eating Behaviors

Night Eating Syndrome (NES): episodic food binges that occur at night or after the evening meal.
Diabulimia: skipping insulin injections or using less insulin than prescribed to manipulate body weight.
Muscle Dysmorphia: an unhealthy preoccupation with the body being too small or not muscular enough.
The Athlete Triad: characterized by three interrelated components: low energy availability, abnormal reproductive system function, and reduced bone mineral density.### Athlete Triad
Lack of estrogen during adolescence can lead to poor bone mineral density in female athletes, even after recovery from the triad.
Premature osteoporosis is a serious and long-term consequence of the athlete triad.

Male Athlete Triad

Male athletes may develop the male athlete triad, characterized by low energy availability, abnormal reproductive function, and reduced bone mineral density.
Male athletes at risk of developing the triad include those who participate in sports that benefit from a lower body weight, such as distance runners and cyclists, and those who need to "make weight" to compete in a lower weight class, such as wrestlers and boxers.
Normal testosterone levels are necessary for men to build and maintain bone mineral mass.
Male athletes with low testosterone levels may have reduced bone mineral density, increasing their risk of bone fractures.

Preventing Eating Disorders

Early identification of people with risk factors for eating disorders, such as disordered eating patterns and distorted body images, can help prevent the development of eating disorders.
Prevention efforts focus on fostering body acceptance, improving self-confidence, and challenging the idea that being thin is ideal.

Treating Eating Disorders

If someone has an eating disorder, it is important to encourage them to seek help as soon as possible to avoid serious health consequences.
Treatment should include psychotherapy, addressing critical nutritional needs, and other medical conditions.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) play a critical role in assessing and treating eating disorders, including providing nutritional counseling.
Treatment can occur in inpatient, residential, or outpatient care settings, and may involve individual, group, or family counseling, as well as prescription medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a major treatment approach for bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED).
CBT teaches people healthy coping strategies to use when under stress instead of unhealthy behaviors.

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Description

This quiz covers the differences between eating disorders and disordered eating, types of eating disorders, risk factors, health consequences, and treatments. Learn about the athlete triad and its impact on adolescents and young adults.