Eating Disorders

Today in NEW, the students had discussions about eating disorders. In groups of three, each person researched a specific disorder. Here are the links to information about each of these disorders, along with key facts discussed among the group.

Anorexia Nervosa 
Anorexia Nervosa is the physiatric disease with the highest death rate (5%-20%). It is most commonly found in women, but there have been growing numbers of men who have also contracted this disease. It is a mental disorder that makes the person feel like they have to lose weight or else they feel worthless. The individual has irregular eating behaviors that lead to them not eating what is necessary for them to survive, as they feel guilt when eating. They essentially end up starving themselves, which is what leads to the high mortality rate. The physical causes have been tied to genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and irregular hormone functions. There are many environmental factors as well, such as careers that promote weight loss, trauma, thin culture in media and peer pressure.

Bulimia Nervosa 
The individual binge eats then feels guilt from eating and purges themself. It can be vomiting, laxatives, over-exercising. They usually have low self-esteem, they can have discolored teeth, callouses. They might have swelling in their jaw and cheek area. They're isn't any dramatic weight change. They won't eat in front of people and make trips to the bathroom after eating. It affects 1-2% of people, 80-90% of them are women and is usually paired

Binge Eating Disorder
Most common eating disorder in America. It is when they get anxious about how they eat and eats a lot in one sitting. They can end up having diabetes and being overweight, feeble bones, fatigue. Eating episodes are usually caused by anxiety, some people who binge eat don't realize it. Some people do it while watching TV. They usually eat foods high in sodium and fat. 3.5% of the population has this disease.