The term "eating disorder" covers a range of different mental disorders surrounding abnormal eating behaviors and patterns. Most well-known to the general population are the eating disorders anorexia nervosa, characterized by severely restricted calorie intake, fear of weight-gain and distorted body image, and bulimia nervosa, which is characterized by large intakes of food for a short period and then forcing vomiting or otherwise purging perceived calorie intake through laxatives, diuretics or excessive fasting.
Less well known, albeit no less serious, are the eating disorders pica (eating things that does not contain nutritional value), Rumination disorder (regularly regurgitating food previously chewed and swallowed, re-chewing it, and then either re-swallowing or spitting it out) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, also known as ARFID (lack of interest in eating, or a general distaste for certain smells, textures, colors, tastes or temperatures).
Eating disorders can have long-term consequences and be life-threatening for a range of reasons; the diseases themselves can lead to severe malnutrition, organ damage and irreversible injury to places like the throat and stomach, and in some cases, depression, anxiety and other mental conditions follow suit, wearing on the sufferers mind and body. For these reasons, and many more, it is crucial to be aware of the signals and symptoms that are indicative of an eating disorder and know how to offer help and support to those suffering.
Our speakers specializing in eating disorders are here to help dismantle the stigma around eating disorders, address how these behaviors are harmful, and to help your audience gain a better, more well-informed understanding of eating disorders. They are experts in everything from nutrition to body dysmorphia, and are therefore able to both speak to sufferers about how to move forward and give family and friends the knowledge they need to help their loved ones.
Take initiative and reach out to our speakers on eating disorders, and be the change - give your attendees the tools they need to help themselves and others and inspire them towards recovery and a better quality of life.
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ADHD
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