NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers
• 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 are more likely
to focus on weight loss.
Can’t people who have anorexia see that they
are too thin?
Most cannot. Body image disturbance can take the
form of viewing the body as unrealistically large (body
image distortion) or of evaluating one’s physical
appearance negatively (body image dissatisfaction).
People with anorexia often focus on body areas where
being slim is more difficult (e.g., waist, hips, thighs).
They then believe they have “proof ” of their perceived
need to strive for further weight loss. Body image
dissatisfaction is often related to an underlying faulty
assumption that weight, shape, and thinness are the
primary sources of self-worth and value. Adolescents
with negative body image concerns may be more likely
than others to be depressed, anxious, and suicidal.
I know someone who won’t eat meals with
family or with friends. How can he/she not be
hungry? Does he/she just not like food?
Most likely, the person is overwhelmingly preoccupied
with food. A person with an eating disorder does
not like to eat with others, does not like anyone
questioning his/her food choices, and is totally
consumed with refraining from eating. Is the person
hungry? Yes! But the eating disorder controls the
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