Transcript Physical Signs of Eating Disorders

ADDICTIVE AND
UNHEALTHY
BEHAVIORS
Anorexia nervosa:
A psychobiological disease characterized by
an intense fear of becoming obese,
a disturbed body image, a significant
weight loss, the refusal to maintain normal
body weight, and amenorrhea.
Characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa
Weight loss to 15% below normal
Intense fear of gaining weight or
being fat, despite being underweight
Disturbance in one’s experience of
body weight, size, and shape
Females: absence of at least three
consecutive expected menstrual cycles
Defining Bulimia
Bulimia
An episodic eating pattern of
uncontrollable food bingeing followed
by purging; it is characterized by an
awareness that the pattern is
abnormal, fear of being unable to
stop eating voluntarily, depressed
mood, and self-deprecation.
Characteristics of Bulimia
Recurrent binge eating
A sense of lacking control over eating
behavior during the binges
Engaging in regular self-induced
vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics,
strict dieting or fasting, or vigorous
exercise in order to prevent weight gain
Average minimum of two binge-eating
episodes a week for three months
Consistent over- concern with body
shape and weight
Prevalence of Eating Disorders
Accurate assessment is difficult to
achieve because of the secretive
nature of the disorder.
Research on the Prevalence
of Eating Disorders
Athletes appear to have a greater
occurrence of eating-related problems
than does the general population.
A significant percentage of athletes
engage in pathogenic eating or weightloss behaviors (e.g., bingeing, fasting),
although sub-clinical in intensity.
Eating disorders and pathogenic
weight-loss techniques tend to have a
sport-specific prevalence (e.g., among
wrestlers vs. archers).
Predisposing Factors
Weight restrictions and standards
Coach and peer pressure
Performance demands
Judging criteria
Recognition and Referral
of an Athlete with an Eating Problem
Be able to recognize the physical and
psychological signs and symptoms of
these conditions.
If you suspect an eating disorder, make
a referral to a specialist in the area.
Physical Signs of Eating Disorders
Weight too low
Considerable weight loss
Extreme weight fluctuations
Bloating
Swollen salivary glands
Amenorrhea
Physical Signs of Eating Disorders
Carotinemia—yellowish palms or
soles of feet
Sores or callouses on knuckles or
back of hand from inducing vomiting
Hypoglycemia—low blood sugar
Muscle cramps
Stomach complaints
Physical Signs of Eating Disorders
Headaches, dizziness, or weakness
from electrolyte disturbances
Numbness and tingling in limbs due
to electrolyte disturbances
Stress fractures
(See Table on page 465 of text)
Psychological–Behavioral Signs of
Eating Disorders
Excessive dieting
Excessive eating without weight gain
Excessive exercise that is not part of
normal training program
Guilt about eating
Claims of feeling fat at normal
weight despite reassurance from
others
(continued)
Preoccupation with food
Use of drugs such as diet pills,
laxatives, and diuretics to control
weight
Avoidance of eating in public and
denial of hunger
Hoarding food
Disappearing after meals
Frequent weighing
Binge eating
Evidence of self-induced vomiting
Defining Substance &
Alcohol Abuse
A maladaptive pattern of psychoactive
substance use.
Defining Drug Addiction
Drug addiction
A state where both discontinuing or
continuous use of a drug creates an
overwhelming desire, need, and
craving for more of the substance.
Prevalence of Substance
Abuse in Sports
Accurate assessment is difficult to
achieve because of the sensitive
and personal nature of the problem.
Studies have focused on alcohol
and steroid use:
Alcohol use:
55% of high school athletes; 87%-88%
of college athletes.
Performance-enhancing drugs:
5% of high school and college
athletes report using them
(40%-60% among elite athletes)
Athletes Take Drugs & Drink Alcohol To:
Escape from unpleasant emotions
or stress, build confidence or
enhance self-esteem
Enhance performance, peer pressure
Rehabilitate injury,
Look better
Control appetite and lose weight.
Major Categories of Performance–
Enhancing Drugs
Stimulants
Narcotic analgesics
Anabolic steroids
Beta-blockers
Diuretics
Peptide hormones and analogues
Preventing and Detecting
Substance Abuse
Key:
Only specially trained professionals
work in drug treatment programs.
However, fitness professionals play
a major role in prevention and
detection.
Substance Abuse Detection
Be aware of the warning signs
of substance abuse:
Apathetic or listless behavior
Impaired judgement
Poor coordination
Poor hygiene and grooming
Profuse sweating
Muscular twitches or tremors
Making Referrals
The person who has the rapport with
the individual should schedule a private
meeting to discuss the matter.
Emphasize feelings rather than directly
focusing on eating behaviors.
Be supportive and keep all information
confidential.
Make a referral to a specific clinic
or person on your referral list.
The End