3. S
Eating Disorders (ED)
“ED’s are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-
standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological,
interpersonal and social factors. National Eating Disorders Association
4. S
“Eating disorders are mental illness with the highest
mortality rate.” Acelus, 2011)
“Full blown eating disorders typically begin between
18-21 years of age.” Hudson, 2007
“ED’s are serious and life threatening and impact
all ages, both genders and a variety of ethnicities
and socioeconomic groups and occur in a variety
of shapes & weights.” AED report aedweb.org
5.
6. What about body image?
S Body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or
when you picture yourself in your mind.
S It encompasses:
S What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories,
assumptions and generalizations)
S How you feel about your body, including your height, shape and weight
S How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body,
not just about your body.
7. Body Image
S A clear, true perception of shape
S Able to celebrate & appreciate one’s natural
body shaped – understand physical appearance
says little about value or character
S Feel proud and accepting of one’s unique body –
refuse to spend unreasonable amount of time
worrying about it.
S Feel comfortable and confident in one’s body
S A distorted perception of one’s shape – you
perceive parts of body unlike they really are
S Hold belief that only other people are attractive
and that one’s own body size or shape is a sign
of personal failure
S Feel ashamed, self-conscious and anxious about
one’s body
S Feel uncomfortable and awkward in one’s body
Positive Body Image Negative Body Image
People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to
suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss.
8. S
Individuals with eating disorders generally
have an unhealthy focus on food and weight.
While body image and weight concern are
common, some individuals develop eating
disorders without concern about weight. Body
image issues are not required for an eating
disorder diagnosis.
Keep in mind…
9. How to help:
S Listen openly and reflectively
S Communicate care, concern, and a desire to talk about issues--not
diagnosis or therapy—just develop a compassionate and forthright
conversation that helps person find understanding, support and the
proper therapeutic resources
S Throughout the process of detection, referral, and recovery, the
focus should be on the person feeling healthy and functioning
effectively, not on weight, shape or morality
10. What’s your job as a mentor?
DO
S Show empathy and support. Listen
without interrupting, judging, or
making pronouncements.
S Ask what they would like to do next.
S Be knowledgeable about resources.
S Create a culture of body positivity –
focus on character and
accomplishments, not appearance.
DON’T
S Intentionally or unintentionally become
the person’s therapist, savior or victim.
S Attempt to “moralize,” closely monitor,
or develop therapeutic plans.
S Abstain from “fat talk,” discussing
other’s appearance
11. Similar problem, some issues different for males
Males may feel a greater sense of shame or embarrassment due to
stigma (Eating disorders are promoted predominantly as a female
concern.)
It may be even more important not to mention the term “eating disorder”
in the discussion, but rather focus on the specific behaviors that are
concerning
Eating disorder behavior presents differently in males. Although the
emotional and physical consequences of eating disorders are similar for
both sexes, males are more likely to focus on muscle gain, while females
GENDER DIFFERENCES
