Summarize some historical examples of attitudes toward appearance and obesity described in this chapter. Evaluate how they are different from, and similar to, current views.
Examine the prevalence of feeding disorders. Give examples of common feeding disorders seen in clinical settings.
State the defining characteristic of each of the following feeding disorders, and a negative consequence of each:
Pica
Rumination disorder
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Explain how our evolutionary history and current conditions of food abundance interact to promote obesity.
Identify some of the environmental, psychological, and biological factors involved in obesity.
Describe the role of the brain in obesity.
List some of the physical and psychological disorders for which obese individuals are at higher risk.
Discuss some of the negative consequences of eating disorders.
Illustrate how the following factors are implicated in "causing" anorexia nervosa:
Genetics
Physiological changes
Cultural factors
Considering the three eating disorders described in this section—anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—answer the following questions:
What are the primary diagnostic criteria for each?
What are the prevalence rates of each in terms of lifetime and gender differences?
Is there a genetic component to the disorder?
What is the treatment of choice for each, and what do we know about the effectiveness of treatment?
