Did you know??
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Eating Disorders are the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescent females.
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Eating Disorders have the highest mortality of any mental illness.
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15% of people with anorexia die as a consequence of their condition.
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90% of people with eating disorders are female.
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One woman in one hundred will experience some form of eating disorder requiring medical attention within her lifetime. Among women aged 15-24 years, the figure jumps dramatically to one in fifteen.
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70% of normal weight adolescent girls feel fat and are engaged in negative eating behaviours to lose weight.
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Children as young as six years of age have developed negative attitudes about their body.
What is an Eating Disorder??
Anorexia Nervosa
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Anorexia usually begins during early adolescence around the time of puberty.
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Significant weight loss: A weight loss of 10% to 15% of original weight or a refusal to reach a medically healthy weight indicated a reason for concern.
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Drive for thinness and extreme fear of weight gain or becoming fat even though underweight: Thinness is idealized and equated with self-esteem and happiness. People with anorexia believe they will feel better and look better if they continue to lose weight.
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Poor and distorted body image: People with anorexia are dissatisfied with their present weight or shape and cannot see their real body size. Often a person “feels” fat even though his/her weight is well below what is considered safe for his/her age and height.
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Lack of menses: In females, the absence of at lease three menstrual cycles in a row or the failure for menstrual cycles to begin. (amenorrhea)
Bulimia Nervosa
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A person will try to limit their food intake. This is followed by episodes of binge eating. During these periods there is a feeling of lack of control over eating. The binge is then followed by a purge that could include vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, or vigorous exercise.
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Recurrent episodes of binge eating: Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time, occurring at lease twice a week for three months.
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Inappropriate compensatory behaviours: The need to purge, which generally takes place after a binge, is usually caused be fear of weight gain, perceived stomach discomfort, and/or shame caused by the loss of control over eating.
Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified
The Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) category is for disorders of eating that do not meet the criteria for any specific eating disorder. For example:
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For females, all of the criteria for AN are met except that the individual has regular menses.
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Despite significant weight loss, the individual’s current weight is in the normal range.
Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder
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Being overly concerned about weight and shape
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Feeling fat when not overweight
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Obsessed with food and calories
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Eating mainly diet foods
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Unusual eating habits (picking at food)
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Guilt or shame about eating
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Evidence of purging, vomiting or laxative use, or compulsive exercise
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Eating a lot of food in a small amount of time
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Noticeable weight loss or large weight gains
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Feeling increased levels of insecurity and self-consciousness
Consequences of an Eating Disorder
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Dry cracked skin
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Loss of hair
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Cold intolerance
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Slow growth
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Period loss, irregular or failure to start
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Dizzy or fainting
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Irregular heartbeat
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Poor concentration
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Fatigue
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Mood fluctuations
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Difficulty sleeping
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Withdrawal from family, friends and activities
Teen Health Centre’s Eating Disorders Project
In Feb. 2001 Teen Health Centre received funding from the Women’s Health Council for 2 year research project.
Our eating disorder programs take wholistic approach. A multi-disciplined team of professionals conducts all of our programs. All of the participants in the after school program are monitored by a physician, dietician, social workers, child and youth worker, music therapist and art therapist.
After School Program
The After School program meets Monday through Thursday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. There is an after school snack at 3:30pm and dinner is provided at 6:00pm. There are numerous groups conducted within the After School Program such as:
Psycho education Group
This is an eight week program providing education and strategies to change eating disorder behaviours. Meetings are held once a week for a two hour period. Some issues covered in the program include:
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The process of change
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What is an eating disorder?
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What is normal eating?
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What are the causes of an eating disorder?
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The effects of an eating disorder on the family and their role in recovery
Parent Support Group
Parents of the participants in both eating disorder groups will meet weekly for 2 hours. The parent groups focus on education about eating disorders and provide support for parents.
Supporting a Person with an Eating Disorder
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Be patient – eating disorders can be a long-term illness.
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Encourage the person to seek professional help. If the person is truly endangering his/her life, be insistent.
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Seek outside help for yourself.
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When discussing the problem with a person you suspect has an eating disorder, don’t be surprised if the reaction is one of denial or even hostility.
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Don’t lay blame. This only re-enforces the person’s feelings of failure.
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Don’t dwell on food related discussions.
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AVOID commenting on the person’s weight or appearance – your comments may not be taken in the proper context.
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The person with an eating disorder must feel that he/she has control over his/her daily routine. Learn everything you can about eating disorders.
IF you have any questions or concerns please call us at:
(519) 253-8481 x237
Teen Health Centre
1585 Ouellette Ave.
Windsor, ON
N8X 1K5
Or
BANA
(519) 969-2112
For help with eating disorders contact
the Teen Health Centre at (519) 253-8481
and ask to speak to a counsellor
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