Lesson 2 Do you… Fad Diets and Eating Disorders These weight-loss strategies are risky. Not only do they often fail to produce long-term results, but they.

Lesson Lesson 22Do you…

Fad Diets and Eating Disorders

These weight-loss strategies are risky. Not only do they often fail to produce long-term results, but they

can also cause serious health problems.

Eat only a few types of food?

Use diet pills? Follow a liquid diet?

Lesson Lesson 22

• Explain the risks of fad diets and other harmful weight-loss strategies

• Describe the causes and symptoms of eating disorders

• Develop decision-making skills to get help for someone you know who has an eating disorder

In this lesson, you will learn to:

Lesson Objectives

Lesson Lesson 22Fad Diets

Risky Weight-Loss Strategies

• Fad diets are hard to stick with because they limit food variety.

• Some are costly because they require dieters tobuy certain products.

• They fail to provide the body with the nutrients it needs for health and growth.

• Any weight lost on fad diets is usually regained.

Lesson Lesson 22

A person on a liquid diet replaces all of his or her food intake with a special liquid formula. Some problems with liquid diets:

• They do not meet the body’s energy needs, as they are very low-calorie diets.

• They often leave the dieter feeling fatigued.

• Many do not provide the body with fiber and needed nutrients.

Liquid Diets

Risky Weight-Loss Strategies

Lesson Lesson 22

Relying on high-protein, low-carbohydrate liquids as the only source of nutrients can cause serious health problems and even death.

Dangers of Liquid Diets

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• Requires liquid diet products to carry warning labels.

• Recommends that liquid diets be used only under close medical supervision.

Risky Weight-Loss Strategies

Lesson Lesson 22

To fast is to abstain from eating.

• Fasting for more than short periods deprives your body of needed nutrients and energy.

• If people who are fasting avoid liquids, they may become dehydrated.

• Fasting may not be advisable for those with diabetes or other health conditions.

Fasting

Risky Weight-Loss Strategies

Lesson Lesson 22

Many diet pills work by suppressing appetite. A low-risk pill thatmeets claims of “burning,” “blocking,” or “flushing” fat from

thebody has not yet been developed.

Diet Pills

Drowsiness

Racing Heart

Addiction

Dehydration

Side Effects of

Diet Pills

Risky Weight-Loss Strategies

Lesson Lesson 22Weight Cycling

• Weight cycling is common in people who follow fad diets. Weight loss on these types of diets is usually from water, not body fat.

• Water weight lost is quickly regained.

• Slow and steady weight loss is the best strategy for long-lasting results.

Weight Loss and Weight Gain

Lesson Lesson 22The Risks of Eating Disorders

An eating disorder may be brought on by mental or emotional factors such as:

What Causes Eating Disorders?

• Poor body image

• Family pressures

• Social pressures

• Perfectionism

• Genetics

Lesson Lesson 22

• Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder with emotional and physical consequences.

• The disorder relates to an individual’s self-concept and coping abilities.

• Outside pressures, high expectations, a need to be accepted, and a need to achieve are characteristics associated with the development of anorexia.

Anorexia Nervosa

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

Medical specialists have found genetics, hormones, and certain brain chemicals to trigger anorexia in some people.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Symptoms:

• Extremely low caloric intake

• An obsession with exercising

• Emotional problems

• An unnatural interest in food

• A distorted body image

• Denial of an eating problem

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

Physical consequences of anorexia are related to malnutrition and starvation. It may stop menstruation in women.

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa

Other consequences:

• Loss of bone density

• Low body temperature

• Low blood pressure

• Slowed metabolism

• Reduction in organ size

• Serious heart problems

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

A person with bulimia nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Purges the food from the body

Binges or quickly consumes large amounts of food

Fasts or follows a strict

diet

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but societal pressures, self-esteem issues, and family problems may be factors.

Symptoms:

• Distorted body image

• Unnatural interest in food

Causes and Symptoms of Bulimia

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa

• Vomiting destroys tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. It also damages the tissues of the stomach, esophagus, and mouth.

• Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, kidney damage, and irregular heartbeat.

• Frequent use of laxatives can disrupt digestion and absorption and can cause nutrient deficiencies. It can also change the composition of the blood.

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

People with binge eating disorder consume huge amounts of food at one time but do not try to purge.

This disorder may signal the use of food as a coping mechanism for strong emotions or depression.

Binge Eating Disorder

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

Binge eating disorder often results in unhealthful weight gain,

which contributes to health problems such as:

Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder

• Type 2 diabetes

• Heart disease and stroke

• Gallbladder problems

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Increased risk of certain types of cancer

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22

People with eating disorders need professional medical and psychological help. They may also benefit from support groups and clinics.

Help for Eating Disorders

The Risks of Eating Disorders

Lesson Lesson 22How You Can Help People with Eating Disorders

If you believe a friend might be developing an eating disorder, you can:

• Discuss the problem with a trusted adult.

• Encourage your friend to seek professional help, and be supportive.

The Risks of Eating Disorders