Body Fat and Eating Disorders Derrick Murphy SCI/241 Clayton Wilson 0ctober 25, 2012

Body Fat and Eating Disorders Describe body composition and the risks associated with excess body fat. Body composition is the body’s relative amount of fat to fat-free mass. People with optimal body composition are typically healthier, move more easily and efficiently, and in general, feel better than those with less-than-ideal body composition. Body composition is divided into two separate types of mass: fat-free mass which is comprised of all of the body’s non-fat tissues and body fat. Fat –free mass includes bone, water, muscle, and tissues. Body fat is literally fat located within the body. Some fat is necessary overall health: it helps protect internal organs, provides energy and regulates in body regulates hormones that perform various functions in body regulation. Excess fat has been linked to numerous health problems such as increased risk for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Having excess fat, specifically surrounding the internal organs, can damage your health and contribute to serious medical conditions such as liver disease. Assess factors that influence the obesity epidemic?

Body Fat and Eating Disorders A main influence in the obesity epidemic is the media. The media is constantly advertising restaurants and fast food. Numerous studies have proven that personal food choices, lack of exercise, and genetic disposition all play a role in a person’s weight; however, there are other elements that influence our weight. What are some health problems associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder? Anorexia Nervosa usually starts in the teen years; it’s much more common in females than males. Early treatment can be very effective. But if not treated early, anorexia can lead to starvation and serious health problems, such as bone thinning (osteoporosis), kidney damage, and heart problems. Some people die from these problems. Bulimia nervosa; lazy bowel from laxative abuse, dehydration from laxative abuse and purging. Deterioration of teeth enamel (from stomach acid while purging), wearing down of esophagus (stomach acid while purging). Binge-eating disorder: Indigestion and /or bowel problems. Weight gain might lead to higher cholesterol/diabetes and malnutrition, if you tend to binge solely on fatty or sugary foods.

Body Fat and Eating Disorders Explain from a physiological standpoint, how eating disorder may lead to health problems. Provide at least three examples to support your answer. From psychological stand point, eating disorder can lead to health problems based on the fact that most eating disorders are caused by mental or emotional trauma occurrences- which often times lead to health problems caused by anorexia, bulimia, and obesity. A couple physiological examples, dehydration and starvation and vomiting in an can lead to electrolyte abnormalities –including low potassium and calcium and magnesium which can cause cardiac rhythm disturbances, low blood pressure and dysfunction of cardiac muscle.

People need to learn more about how important it is to keep their body fat under control and that eating all out of control is only hurting them in the long run.

Brody, Jane E. “Risks for Youths Who Eat What They Watch”. New York Times. New York, April 19, 2010 www.wedmd.com http://www.2.niddk.nih.sok/