GET REAL Real Expectations Real Role Models Real

GET REAL! Real Expectations. Real Role Models. Real Information.

Get Real l Imagine… – – – A favorite loved one A break from mirrors and media What is “self-improvement? ”

Get Real l Goals of this Presentation: – – – Understand social pressures and how they influence body image and eating concerns Challenge dieting, fat and fitness beliefs Provide resources to learn more about disordered eating

Get Real Expectations l Social pressures to be thin: – – 42% of 6 -9 year old girls want to be thinner 80% of women in the U. S. are dissatisfied with their appearance 50% of girls ages 12 -14 are unhappy because they “feel fat” 25% of men and 45% of women are dieting on any given day in the U. S.

Get Real Role Models l Media messages influence attitudes and behaviors – – 5, 000 Ads per day! 1/3 involve appearance ideals Models are thinner than 98% of American women Americans spend $40 billion/year on diet products Any of these can lead to negative body image

Get Real Information l Genetics influence body type and size – – – Like eye color and skin color, body size is strongly influenced by genetics Experiment: Eating and exercising the same amount would not make everyone the same size and shape! Eating and exercise habits cannot be determined based on appearance

Get Real Information l Weight gain is normal and should be expected – – On average, girls ages 11 -14 will gain 40 pounds as they go through puberty Boys grow taller before gaining muscle, this process can take several years Some kids grow out then up, others will grow up then out – everybody is different Puberty and late teen/early adult years are the two most common times of onset for disordered eating

Get Real Information l Dieting can have serious, even lifethreatening, side effects – Dieting behaviors can spiral out of control into disordered eating l l l Anorexia – Dramatic weight loss, phobic fear of fat Bulimia – Cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors Binge Eating Disorder – Frequent episodes of uncontrolled overeating

Get Real Information l l The causes and effects of disordered eating are complex Disordered eating can arise from a combination of behavioral, emotional, biological, interpersonal and social factors. – Risk Factors: l l l l Low self-esteem Feelings of inadequacy, lack of control Depression, anxiety Troubled family or personal relationships Difficulty expressing emotions History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight Perfectionism, achievement-oriented Desire for control

Get Real - Stay Healthy l Listen to Your Body – – Think of food as fuel Avoid extremes – focus on moderation, balance and variety Beware of the “good foods” vs. “bad foods” dichotomy What are your cravings telling you?

Get Real Help l Know the warning signs – – Follow your instincts, trust your concerns Early detection is critical

Get Real Help l How to help a friend or loved one – – Share your concerns in a supportive way Mention specific examples and share feelings Express your love and support Be prepared with resources: l l www. National. Eating. Disorders. org Information & Referral Helpline: 800. 931. 2237

Get Real – Get Involved l What can I do? ? – – Remove ads and photos from magazines that promote unhealthy appearance ideals Surround yourself with positive images and messages Compliment accomplishments and characteristics before appearance Use your buying power: write letters to companies and advertisers, shop selectively

Get Real “The pursuit of perfection is, in truth, an empty, endless cycle that leaves (us) emotionally and spiritually bereft, as a preoccupation with external appearance undermines inner beauty. ” Margo Maine, Body Wars