Maria skips meals and exercises excessively because she believes she is overweight, even though she is already underweight. What eating disorder might she have, and why?
Anorexia Nervosa — She restricts food intake and has a distorted body image.
How can we differentiate between someone dieting for health reasons and someone showing signs of an eating disorder?
Healthy dieting focuses on nutrition and balance; eating disorders involve obsession and restriction.
If you had a friend who refused to eat and seemed obsessed with losing weight, what steps would you take to help them?
Talk to them kindly, show concern, and encourage them to seek help from a counselor or doctor.
Jessa often talks negatively about her body and refuses to join group meals because she feels “too big.” What could this indicate about her self-esteem and eating habits?
Anorexia Nervosa — Negative body image and avoidance of eating situations.
What could be the long-term physical and emotional effects if eating disorders are left untreated?
Organ damage, heart problems, depression, and even death.
If you could design a school campaign to prevent eating disorders, what message or activity would you include, and why?
“Every body is beautiful — focus on health, not perfection.”
Why is it important to treat both the mental and physical aspects of an eating disorder, not just one?
Because they affect the body’s health and the mind’s perception of food and self-image.
Ella secretly eats a lot and vomits after every meal to avoid gaining weight. Explain which disorder she might be suffering from and its possible health effects.
Bulimia Nervosa — She engages in binge eating followed by purging
How can families and schools create an environment that promotes healthy eating habits and positive body image?
By teaching body positivity, discouraging bullying, and promoting balanced eating habits.
A classmate feels dizzy, tired, and weak but still exercises heavily every day to lose more weight. Explain which disorder this might be and why it’s dangerous.
Anorexia Nervosa — Dangerous overexercising and self-starvation.
How can social media contribute to the rise of eating disorders among teenagers today? Give examples.
It promotes unrealistic beauty standards and constant comparison, leading to body dissatisfaction.
How does peer pressure affect the way people, especially teenagers, view food and their bodies?
It can make teens feel they must look a certain way to fit in or be accepted.
If a student feels guilty after eating or constantly compares their body to others, what warning signs should teachers or parents look for?
Rapid weight loss, fatigue, skipping meals, or avoiding eating with others.
How does self-esteem affect a person’s eating behavior and body image?
Low self-esteem makes people more likely to feel unhappy with their body and control food intake.
John eats large amounts of food when he feels sad or lonely but doesn’t vomit afterward. He feels guilty and ashamed after eating. What disorder best fits his behavior?
Binge-Eating Disorder — He overeats without purging and feels guilt afterward.
Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies.