Nutrition Lecture 14: Some Disorders Which Affect Nutrition

Flashcards covering disorders which affect nutrition

Eating Disorders

Serious mental illnesses, not a choice. Affect anyone at any stage of life. More than one million Australians are currently living with an eating disorder.

Eating Disorder Continuum

Healthy Intuitive Eating, Disordered/restrictive eating, Eating disorders

Eating Disorders: Causes

Genetic factors, Biological factors (Neurotransmitter levels), Psychological factors, Social factors (Expectations for body size, shape)

Anorexia Nervosa: Diagnostic criteria

Body weight < 85% of expected (BMI < 17.5), Intense fear of weight gain, Distorted body image, Amenorrhea

Anorexia Nervosa: Warning signs

Significant weight loss, Prolonged dieting, Feeling fat, Preoccupation with food, Eating in isolation, Exercising compulsively, Use of diuretics and laxatives

Anorexia Nervosa: Physical Effects

Loss of fat stores and muscle tissue, Reduced thyroid metabolism, Cold intolerance, Leukopenia, Iron-deficiency anemia, Growth of lanugo, Osteopenia and osteoporosis, Loss of cardiac tissue and abnormal heart rhythm, Bloating and constipation

Anorexia Nervosa: Treatment

Stabilize physical condition, Gain patient participation, Restoring nutritional status through gradual weight gain, Psychotherapy (Individual, group and family)

Bulimia Nervosa: Diagnostic criteria

Recurrent binge eating (at least twice a week for 3 months), Recurrent purging, excessive exercise, fasting, Excessive concern about weight, shape

Bulimia Nervosa: Warning signs

Using bathroom frequently after meals, Preoccupation with body weight, Depression or mood swings, Irregular menstrual periods, Dental problems, swollen cheeks or glands, heartburn

Bulimia Nervosa: Binge/Purge Cycle

Triggers lead to Bingeing, Morbid fear of weight gain, Purging, Transient loss of fear, Fear of discovery and guilt

Bulimia Nervosa: Treatment

Hospitalisation if severely depressed or physical harm is imminent, Counselling (focus on hunger signals), Therapy, Antidepressant medications, Psychotherapy

Binge Eating Disorder: Diagnostic criteria

Recurrent binge eating, Distress over-eating behaviours, No recurrent purging, Absence of anorexia

Binge Eating Disorder: Triggers

Stress, Conflict, Frequent dieting

Binge Eating Disorder: Treatment

Psychotherapy, Long-term support

Orthorexia Nervosa

Fixation on righteous eating. Preoccupation with healthy eating interferes with other activities. Fear of unhealthy foods.

Relative Energy Deficiency in sport (REDS)

Replaced the term “Female Athlete Triad”

Preventing Eating Disorders

Promote self-esteem, Accept the diversity in all sizes and shapes, Promote an understanding of nutrition for health, Present accurate information about nutrition, Encourage eating in response to hunger, not emotions