Week 7 - Eating disorders Flashcards
Define anorexia nervosa
an eating disorder characterised by a constant fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and a body weight of 85% or more below normal
Distinguish between restricting anorexia and binging/purging anorexia
Restricting - reducing amount of food to lose weight
Binging/purging - cycle of binging large amounts of food then purging (vomiting or laxatives)
Signs and symptoms of anorexia
- weight 85% below normal
- restrictive behaviours OR binging/purging
- excessive exercise
- frequent weight checks
- food rituals
- refusal to a eat in public
- low self esteem
- perfectionist behaviour
- desire for control
- difficulty managing stress
Biological causes of anorexia
- abnormalities in neurochemical signals which convey hunger/fullness
- significant impact of genetic heritability
Psychological/environmental causes of anorexia
- peer group pressure
- popular culture
- cultural values thinness
- parenting style
Social media and anorexia
- anorexia typically starts in teen years
- rates higher when exposure to social media is increased
Lifestyle causes of anorexia
- athletes who are focused on body weight/fat
- dancing, modelling, wrestling
Characteristics of anorexia - fear of weight gain
People display a psychological obsession with caloric and fat content of food
this can lead to
* restrictive behaviours
* purging
* excessive exercise
* frequent weight checks
Characteristics of anorexia - food rituals
People consume food in a ritualistic way to maintain a sense of control
* eating in small pieces
* eating food in a specific order
Characteristics of anorexia - social/public eating
- refusal to eat in front of people
- may cook elaborate meals but not eat themselves
Impact of anorexia - Muscles
Anorexia causes significant muscle loss
this can lead to
* low creatinine levels
* fatigue
* diaphragm fatigue - resp distress
Impact of anorexia - Cardiac
Significant cardiac muscle loss
leads to
* bradycardia
* hypotension
* orthostatic hypotension
* congestive heart failure - oedema in feet
Impact of anorexia - electrolytes and vitamins
significant electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies (which can impact things like cardiac function)
* potassium
* magnesium
* phosphate
* vitamin B1
Impact of anorexia - Menstruation
Women may experience amehorrhea
* menstruation stops
* menstruation doesnt start by age 15
Infertility
Impact of anorexia - GIT
The stomach’s ability to tolerate a normal sized meal decreases leading to
* bloating
* N+V
* constipation