Chapter 11 - Nutrition

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by abnormal eating habits that negatively impact physical or mental health.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving extreme dietary restriction and intense fear of gaining weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

Binge Eating Disorder

An eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors.

Pica

The persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances over a period of at least one month.

Rumination Disorder

A disorder characterized by the frequent, effortless regurgitation of undigested food.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

An eating disorder often mistaken for picky eating, leading to severe dietary restriction and weight loss.

Orthorexia Nervosa

An obsession with healthy eating that becomes pathological, interfering with everyday life.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A mental disorder where a person is preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance.

Drunkorexia

Compensatory behaviors used to offset calories consumed during binge drinking, not recognized as a distinct eating disorder.

Weight Bias

Prejudice or discrimination based on an individual’s weight, often leading to stigma and negative health outcomes.

SCOFF Questionnaire

A screening tool for identifying potential eating disorders based on specific behavioral questions.

Compensatory Behaviors

Actions undertaken to compensate for overeating, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or purging.

Social Media and Eating Disorders

Research indicates a link between social media use and body dissatisfaction, which may contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Genetic Risk Factors

Genetic predispositions that may contribute to the development of eating disorders, accounting for a significant percentage of risk.

Nutrition Therapy

Treatment aimed at restoring healthy body weight and improving eating habits among individuals with eating disorders.

Psychological Therapy

Therapeutic interventions designed to address underlying emotional issues related to eating disorders.

Pharmacological Therapy

Use of medications, although generally not effective by themselves, can support recovery from eating disorders.