NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE
(HCU 20503)
Chapter 12:
Eating Disorders
Dr. Sharifah Intan Zainun Sharif Ishak
Email: sharifah_intan@[Link]
Focus On
EATING
DISORDERS
F7.1 What Are Eating Disorders?
Learning objective
• Name the three categories of eating
disorders.
Eating Disorders
• CCHS reports that 3.8% of Canadian girls
and women (aged 15 to 24) were at risk of
eating disorder.
• Thirty percent of girls in grade nine and
ten had tried to lose weight in the last year.
• Public Health Agency reports that 3% of
women will be affected by eating disorders
in their life time.
What Are Eating Disorders?
• When the emotional aspects of food and
eating overpower the role of food as
nourishment, an eating disorder may
develop.
• They involve a persistent disturbance in
eating patterns or other behaviors
intended to control weight.
• They affect physical and nutritional
health and psychological functioning.
Categories of Eating Disorders
• Anorexia nervosa: self-starvation
• Bulimia nervosa: bingeing or binge eating
followed by purging
• Eating disorders not otherwise specified
(EDNOS): abnormal behaviours that do
not fit the above two categories, such as
binge-eating disorder
F7.2 What Causes
Eating Disorders?
Learning objective
• Discuss the genetic factors that influence
the development of eating disorders.
• Discuss the psychological factors that
influence the development of eating
disorders.
• Describe how a society’s body ideal
affects the incidence of eating disorders.
What Causes Eating Disorders?
Figure F7.1
The Role of Genetics
in Eating Disorders
• Certain genes may predispose a person to
developing eating disorders.
• Examples:
• Levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin may
contribute to the behavior of anorexia and bulimia.
• A defect in melanocortin 4 receptor gene may be
linked to binge-eating disorders and obesity.
• A single gene may not be the sole cause.
Common Psychological
Issues in Eating Disorders
• People with eating disorders often have
low self-esteem.
• They are often perfectionists.
• They try to use their relationship with food
to gain control over their lives and boost
their self-esteem.
Societal Messages
About the Ideal Body
• Sociocultural and economic factors are
important triggers for the onset of eating
disorders.
• The sociocultural ideals about body size are
linked to body image and the incidence of
eating disorders.
• The view of an ideal body differs across cultures
and has changed throughout history.
• People with eating disorders usually have a
distorted body image.
Body Ideal in Modern America
Figure F7.4
F7.3 Anorexia Nervosa
Learning objective
• Describe the psychological issues that
characterize anorexia nervosa.
• Describe the behaviours associated with
anorexia nervosa.
• Describe the changes in the body that occur as
a result of anorexia nervosa.
• Explain how anorexia nervosa is treated.
Anorexia Nervosa
• Psychological issues
• Overwhelming fear of gaining
weight
• Disturbances in body image
• Anorexic behaviour
• Restricting type
• Binge-eating/purging type
Figure F7.6
Anorexia Nervosa
• Physical symptoms
• Weight loss
• Mental and physical symptoms of starvation
• Treatment
• Resolving the psychological and behavioral problems
• Providing for physical and nutritional rehabilitation
F7.4 Bulimia Nervosa
Learning objective
• Describe the psychological issues that
characterize bulimia nervosa.
• Describe the behaviours associated with
bulimia nervosa.
• Describe the changes in the body that occur as
a result of bulimia nervosa.
• Explain how bulimia nervosa is treated.
Bulimia Nervosa
• Psychological issues
• Intense fear of becoming fat
• Negative body image and
• distorted perception of body size
• Usually socially isolated
• Bulimic behavior
• A pattern of semi-starvation
interrupted by periods of gorging
• Nonpurging bulimia
• Purging bulimia
Figure F7.8
Bulimia Nervosa
• Physical complications of bulimia:
• Purging by vomiting brings many problems to the
body systems.
• Laxative and diuretic abuse can cause dehydration
and electrolytes imbalance.
• Treatment:
• Separating eating from emotions and from
perceptions of success
• Promoting eating in response to hunger and satiety
F7.5 Binge-Eating Disorder
Learning objective
• Distinguish binge-eating disorder from
anorexia and bulimia.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Figure F7.9
F7.6 Eating Disorders
in Special Groups
Learning objective
• Describe how eating disorders are different in men and
women.
• Describe the impact of eating disorders during
pregnancy on mother and baby.
• Describe the impact of eating disorders in children.
• Describe the eating disorders associated with athletes.
• Describe the relationship between diabetes and eating
disorders.
Eating Disorders
in Special Groups
• Eating disorders in men
• Much less than in women
• On the rise
• Certain groups at more risk
• Less likely to seek treatment
• Eating disorders during pregnancy
• Cause harm to the mothers and babies
• A common problem is pica
Eating Disorders
in Special Groups
• Eating disorders in children
• More common in late adolescence and early
adulthood
• Prevalence is increasing in younger children in the
U.S.
• More girls than boys are affected
• Delayed growth and sexual maturation
• Other symptoms similar to those of adult patients
Eating Disorders
in Special Groups
• Eating disorders in athletes
• Higher prevalence in female athletes
• Higher prevalence in certain sports
• Anorexia athletica
• Compulsive exercise
• Female athlete triad
• Disordered eating
• Amenorrhea
• Osteoporosis
Eating Disorders
in Special Groups
• Eating disorders and diabetes
• May be more common, particularly in those who take
insulin, than in the general public
• The treatment regimentation may contribute
• Many similarities between patients with diabetes and
those with eating disorders
• Focus on food, diet, and body weight
• Control a central issue
• Guilty feelings if goals not met
Female Athlete Triad
Figure F7.12
F7.7 Preventing and Getting
Treatment for Eating Disorders
Learning objective
• Describe factors that predispose people to eating
disorders.
• List the steps you could take to help a friend with an
eating disorder.
• Describe strategies for the prevention of eating
disorders.
Preventing and Getting
Treatment for Eating Disorders
• Recognizing the risks
• Getting help for a friend or family member
• Reducing the prevalence of eating disorders
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