8.NPA.3

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

8.NPA.3.1 Identify media and peer pressures that result in unhealthy weight control (eating disorders, fad dieting, excessive exercise, smoking).
Family, television, print media, friends, music, the internet and our environment influence eating patterns. The dichotomy of society’s ideal super-thin female form contrasted with food abundance in most social situations predisposes almost 25% of girls to some form of eating disorder. Macho feasting at all-you-can-eat locations with emphasis on fatty meats, starchy foods and unlimited sweet drinks or alcohol predisposes boys to obesity and accelerated atherosclerosis. Family meals around a dinner table stimulate more appropriate eating patterns. An environment supportive of moderate physical activity reinforces weight control.

Gathering large audiences to pitch and sell products is media’s main objective. Generally the foods sold through mass marketing are the ones high in fat, salt, sugar, trans fat, refined carbohydrates--the ones that Dietary Guidelines recommend reducing or eliminating. Commercials also trigger frequent snacking patterns that focus on treats rather than healthy snacks. Students need to develop an awareness of media influence and establish strategies to counter the effects.
 * The student will differentiate between male and female culture with regard to eating patterns and potential short-term and long-range outcomes.
 * The student will deconstruct common media-marketed food and beverages and evaluate them against the Dietary Guidelines.
 * The student will analyze TV characters as role models for dietary and activity patterns, projected long-term outcomes.
 * The student will utilize effective strategies to counter barriers to weight management.

8.NPA.3.2 Differentiate the signs, symptoms, and consequences of common eating disorders from more healthy eating behaviors.
Normal eating uses food as fuel—when hungry (tank empty), the person consumes food until satisfied (tank full). Principles of moderation, variety, balance, flexibility, and nutrient-density are built into food patterns. When people habitually use foods for comfort, to soothe anxiety or emotions, or have self-esteem and control issues acted out through food, disordered eating results.

Often starting in middle school, about 1 in 4 of girls and some boys develop anorexia nervosa, bulimia or binge eating. Anorexics have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as fat when they actually are very thin. They self-starve, obsess over food, and may over-exercise. Bulimics binge on foods (eat huge amounts in a short period of time) then purge through vomiting, laxatives or diuretics. Binge eaters also consume huge amounts and are compulsive eaters, but do not purge, resulting in weight gain. Eating disorders usually involve other mental health problems such as depression and anxiety; feelings of helplessness and being out of control; feelings of shame, guilt and disgust; and abuse of other substances such as alcohol.

Warning signs of anorexia are weight below normal (20% or lower), denial of hunger, feeling fat though underweight, and experiencing conflict with family and friends about eating. Bulimics eat excessive food without weight gain; seek privacy for purging after eating; hide laxatives or diuretics; or over-exercise to compensate. Binge eaters are fast eaters who don’t stop when full, eat alone and for reasons other than hunger, putting themselves on a weight gain trajectory.

Long-term health problems include heart, liver and kidney damage, cardiac arrhythmias and sometimes death. Disordered eaters can get help through school nurses or counselors, physicians, eating disorder hotlines, and referrals to eating disorder specialists.
 * The student will compare normal eating and disordered eating practices.
 * The student will describe the profiles of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
 * The student will list signs and symptoms of eating disorders and how to get help.

8.NPA.3.3 Use strategies to advocate for those who are at risk for eating disorders or poor nutrition.
Someone with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder is often in denial about the seriousness of his/her condition. Friends, teachers, siblings and parents often intervene to bring the person toward treatment. [Review the signs, symptoms and consequences of the three major types (8.NPA3.2).] If students observe a classmate with characteristics of an eating disorder, they can convey their concerns to the school nurse, school counselor, social worker or trusted teacher at school, or confide in their own parents. They can seek information and advice from an eating disorder hotline, research treatment options, and find out more about the referral process. With the help of adult advocates, they can confront and encourage their friend to seek help, or have adult professionals take charge and remain supportive.

On-line and telephone resources are available at the National Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center (1-858-481-1515 or edreferral@edreferral.com); the National Eating Disorders Association (1-800-931-2237); Anorexia Nervosa and Associate Disorders (ANAD, 1-847-831-3438) for referrals to treatment and information; and Something Fishy (www.somethingfishy.org), a creative website that appeals to young people struggling with disordered eating.

Male and female students can prevent eating disorders by becoming advocates for the issue. Students can become knowledgeable, develop non-judgmental and supportive attitudes, and engage in activities that support self esteem and healthy body image; hold a “take the pledge” campaign; create posters and lead programs for younger students; advocate for broader mental health services for young people in need; and decline to be a part of bullying or “isms” (sexism, racism).
 * The student will review the signs, symptoms and characteristics of persons with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
 * The student will suggest several approaches to steering a peer toward help with an eating disorder and resources for information and referral.
 * The student will participate as an advocate for preventing eating disorders.