Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Section 13-4 Balancing Calories and Energy Needs 353 Eating Disorders Many people have poor eating habits. They may not eat a wide variety of foods, or they may eat too many high-fat foods. However, eating disorders are recognized as life-threatening physical and mental health conditions that include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Ninety percent of those likely to develop eating disorders are teen girls and young women. Such disorders have been found in elementary school children and middle-age women, as well. Two common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both are serious and life-threatening. The causes of eating disorders are still largely unknown. There is evidence in some cases that eating disorders are hereditary, as well as being related to depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person avoids eating, sometimes to the point of starvation. A person with anorexia typically weighs herself or himself repeatedly and eats very small quantities of only certain foods. Overexercising to avoid weight gain is also a symptom. The effects of anorexia nervosa on health can be devastating. Body temperature drops, and females may stop menstruating. Skin becomes dry hair becomes dull and falls out. Often a growth of fi ne hair develops on the body to compensate for the loss of healthy fat. Failure to meet nutrient needs can cause heart damage and loss of bone and muscle tissue. Severe cases can result in death. Even those who recover may have permanent physical damage. People who have bulimia nervosa eating disorder go on eating binges and consume excessive amounts of calories. They then take steps to avoid weight gain. Some bulimics purge themselves of the food by vomiting or taking laxatives or diuretics. Others with this disorder fast or exercise intensely to avoid weight gain. This binge-purge pattern is repeated at least twice a week. Healthy Living Healthy Weight Loss Tips • Avoid eating more calories than you burn. Try to maintain a balance between food intake and physical activity. • Spend at least 60 minutes each day in moderate physical activity. Plan to walk briskly, bike, swim, or jog. The more active you are, the more calories you burn. Schedule your physical activity about an hour before dinner. Vigorous activity helps suppress the appetite. • Base your diet on grains, vegetables, and fruits. Then select moderate portions of low-fat dairy products and lean meats, poultry, and fish. Limit foods that are high in fat and/or sugar. Read labels to determine the fat and sugar content of foods you eat. • Avoid omitting any group of foods from your diet. You can reduce portion sizes, but continue eating a variety of nutritious foods. • Avoid making drastic changes in your food intake without the advice of your doctor. A high percentage of people who lose weight by radically changing their diet habits regain the weight. • Beware of fad diets that focus on one or two foods. A variety of foods are needed for overall health and well-being.