Simple Social Media presentation

Topic: Eating disorders

Specific Purpose: My speech will inform my audience about the dangers and signs of eating disorders.

Thesis Statement: Eating disorders are a dangerous mental illness that have serious physical and psychological consequences.

Introduction

I. According to the Healthy Weight Journal, eating disorders affect at least 7% of the population worldwide and 10% of all student populations. Many times, they remain hidden, normalized, or undiagnosed. The appearance of someone with an eating disorder is often stereotyped, and many people who you would never suspect are actually struggling with disordered eating behaviors.

II. I have worked in the modeling industry for five years, which is an industry notorious for championing unrealistic body standards and contributing to eating disorders. I am in recovery for an eating disorder. Through my recovery journey I have acquired a wealth of knowledge about eating disorders. They are dangerous mental illnesses that have serious physical and psychological consequences.

III. I will discuss the types of eating disorders, causes of eating disorders, and what to do if you suspect someone you are close to has an eating disorder.

Transition I will first briefly discuss the different types of eating disorders.

Body

I. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. I received this information from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

A. Anorexia nervosa is the eating disorder that is most often talked about.

1. It is characterized by food restriction and excessive weight loss.

2. People who suffer from anorexia may have an intense fear of weight gain and may limit their food intake or exercise excessively.

B. Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is often associated with binging and purging.

1. It is characterized by fits of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, exercising, fasting, or abusing laxatives.

2. People who suffer from bulimia feel a sense of loss of control when they binge.

C. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent binge eating.

1. People who suffer from binge eating disorder may have episodes where they eat large quantities of food rapidly until they are uncomfortably full.

2. They may feel distress and shame from these episodes.

3. It differs from bulimia in that there is no compensatory behavior following the binges.

D. While there are different distinctions between each eating disorder, a common denominator among all of them is a disturbed experience of one’s body weight or shape.

Transition: Eating disorders cannot be attributed to one main cause, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to their development.

II. The National Alliance on Mental Illness website says that genetics, environment, peer pressure, and emotional health are all factors that can lead to eating disorders.

A. There have been studies that have shown that certain people are more genetically predisposed to develop eating disorders than others.

1. A family history of eating disorders can cause one to be more likely to have one.

2. Certain genes and genetic traits are also linked to a greater likelihood of developing a disorder.

B. Some cultures and environments create pressure and idolize certain body types.

1. Thinness is equated with happiness and success in the media.

2. Many people develop eating disorders when surrounded by this media and encompassed in an environment that touts diet culture and “perfect” bodies.

C. Past trauma and abuse or pressure and teasing from peers can cause someone to develop unhealthy habits to change their appearance and size.

1. Children who are teased about their weight often times grow up and develop eating disorders due to the lifelong struggle with their body and self- image.

D. Certain personality traits and characteristics of emotional health play a big part in the likelihood of someone developing an eating disorder.

1. Perfectionism, compulsive and obsessive tendencies, and low self-esteem can contribute to this.

2. The disorder is often used as a coping mechanism to have something to control when other things in life feel out of control.

Transition: It is important not to generalize or stereotype based on someone’s appearance. But, if you suspect someone close to you may have an eating disorder, you must know what to look for and how you can help.

III. A person can have an eating disorder at any size or shape, and there are many other warning flags that can point to disorder than just body size and many ways to go about helping.

A. If you notice a friend is fixated or in distress about his or her body or appearance, this could potentially be a sign.

1. It may be problematic if they seem rigid or strict in what they eat, if they eat only the same foods, or avoid certain foods or food groups out of fear in order to control their bodies.

2. If they avoid social situations involving food or seem distant and isolated, these could be red flags.

B. It is important that you are careful about what you say to them and that you make any comments carefully.

1. Certain words, even with good intentions, can be triggering to someone struggling with an eating disorder.

2. “You look healthy,” can be interpreted as “you look fat,” to a disordered brain, which is why it’s best to stay away from comments on appearance.

C. If you have genuine worry for their wellbeing, it is best to come to them from a place of concern and not judgment or accusation.

1. Don’t ask leading questions but make helpful suggestions and offer any help or support that they might need.

2. Sometimes in eating disorders and in the recovery process the best thing someone needs is just a friend to support them and be with them while they go through it.

Conclusion:

I. In conclusion, eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect many more people than we might think. These disorders have lasting consequences and can cause so much damage to the physical and psychological states of sufferers. The most common types are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. If you suspect someone you know might be struggling, it is important to approach the subject with caution and offer as much support and encouragement as they need.

II. Knowing the signs and symptoms and the ways to address suspected eating disorders could very literally be the difference between life and death.

Bibliography

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Berg, F. M. (1995). Eating disorders affect both the mind and the body. Healthy Weight Journal, 9(2), 27.