Lecture 5: Eating Disorders Flashcards
Anorexia: physiological effects
Physiological reactions are primarily energy-saving measures:
o decreased metabolic rate–not enough fuel
• there is only a certain amount of food reserves, so rate is lowered to decrease rate of consumption
slower heart rate→ lower blood pressure→ prone to fainting
increased release of insulin during digestion
• body is attempting to get more food into storage
amenorrhea
Bulimia
- bulimics may or may not be underweight
- caloric intake higher than normal
- physical purging of food (in contrast to compulsive exercise)
Vomiting
• stomach acid causes erosion in different parts of the body, including the amount
Laxatives
• over use of laxatives can actually alter the digestive system
• creates problems when stopping laxative use
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance
Sometimes cyclical binging and purging, not always
Binge Eating
Eating of vastly more calories than needed without eliminating
Obesity
High intake of salty carbs and salty fats
Results in combination of being overweight and malnourished due to lack of variety of foods
Higher risk of type II diabetes–liver and pancreas are overwhelmed and become less sensitive, stop releasing insulin
Treatment of Eating Disorders: SSRI’s
SSRIs
o anorexia – control anxiety
o bulimia – control of binging
o morbid obesity – less eating overall
Fenfluramine (Fen-Phen)
o over-the-counter diet pills
o mood stimulant, increases serotonin
o also an appetite suppressant
o persistent use of stimulant, creates heart problems
o was taken off the market, several class-action lawsuits
Alli
o blocks enzyme in G.I. tract that breaks down fat
o you absorb less of the fat you eat
Olestra
o a fat that cannot be absorbed
o used in many junk foods
