2 - Eating and body Image
1. The Video Clip - Watch, Listen or Read
This part of the workshop will offer information about problems with eating and/or body image. These kinds of problems are most often seen in young women, but can also be present to a much smaller extent in young men.
Select the desired media link below to watch the video, listen to the audio, or read the transcript.
Watch the Video
Listen to the Audio
Read the Transcript
(right-click to download text file)
2. Notes
In this video, Dr. DiPasquale discusses two of the major eating disorders that can cause students to dramatically alter their eating habits.
Anorexia
Anorexia is a deliberate refusal to eat and a determination to reach a largely unrealistic body weight. It is quite rare in children before puberty. Typically, students with early onset anorexia (13-15 years of age) have a better prognosis than those with later onset. Up to 90% of those diagnosed with anorexia are female. Both arts and fitness based school programs run a high risk of putting too much emphasis on body size that may result in students having a preoccupation with weight. There is a 10% death rate associated with anorexia.
Bulimia
This is an eating disorder characterized by a binge (excessive eating) and purge (vomiting or excessive use of laxatives) cycle. Again, 90% of those diagnosed with this are female. Associated health problems can include stomach ailments and dental difficulties caused by the repeated exposure to excessive amounts of stomach acid produced during the purge part of the cycle.
Treatment for these problematic eating behaviours is usually therapy, but may, depending upon the severity of the child's health, involve hospital-based care.3. Discussion Question
Share your experiences working with students who have eating disorders and what has worked for you. You may want to watch the videos and lesson material for the Nova documentary, Dying to Be Thin.
Please post your observations, comments, and questions below.
4. Comments
I have not had the experience, at least that I am aware of, of working with a student who has an eating disorder.
I have not had the experience, at least that I am aware of, of working with a student who has an eating disorder.
I have never worked directly with a studen who has a had an eating disorder but had a friend back in school that suffered from it. It is something that haunts a person forever. I compare it to alcoholism. Although my friend has seeked help, she still struggles sometimes.