Prevention Strategies for Parents :

Types of Eating Disorders:

Anorexia:
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and a distorted body image; it is an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Anorexics often control their body weight by starving and excessive exercise.

Warning Signs:
Constant concern about body weight Obsession with calories, fat and food Using medication that keeps from gaining weight Refusing to eat or lying about how much was eaten Dizziness or feelings of lightheadedness Over exercising Abnormal periods

Beef Up Your Teenager's Body Image Parents are more important than they may think in helping their teenagers to have a healthy feeling about their bodies. Look at Your Own Behavior- The feelings you have about your own body impact your children. o Avoid talking negatively about your own body o Model good exercise and eating habits o Let your teen know that you are trying to improve your health rather than to be a certain weight or shape. Keep the lines of communication open with your child- If you notice your child struggling their self-esteem make an appointment with a doctor or counselor so that he or she can discuss their feelings with a professional.

Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder where a person eats a lot of food in a short amount of time. This is called binging. The person may fear weigh gain or have feelings of shame or guilt, as a result the person will rid themselves of the food. This is called purging.

Statistics:
Anorexia is the 3rdmost common chronic illness among adolescents. 95% of those who have eating disorders are between 12 and 25. The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than all other causes of death for females 15 through 24 years old. Over of teenage girls and nearly 1/3 of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, vomiting, and taking laxatives.

Effects:
Dizziness & Headaches Hair Loss Irregular Heartbeats Depression Anxiety Low blood pressure Dehydration Weakened Immune system Dry Skin Low self-esteem Liver & Kidneys problems Herat Problems Osteoporosis Anemia Edema Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Binge Eating
A binge eating disorder is characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and feelings of shame or selfhatred after a binge.

Counseling Center
Malone University