Eating disorders are serious, sometimes life-threatening, conditions that tend to be chronic. They usually arise in adolescence and disproportionately affect females. About 3 percent of young women have one of the three main eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. An eating disorder is an abnormal relationship with food. A person who uses food to cope with life's stresses has an eating disorder. They are usually classified as "mental" disorders.
Task
Using the suggested resources, you will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of eating disorders, including signs & symptoms and recovery & coping. Visit the suggested internet sites to identify yourself with eating disorders and to learn how you can make an impact in the life of one who has an eating disorder. To gain the full benefits of this webquest, visit the suggested internet sites and complete one of the following assignments:
- There is a possibility that one of your very close friends is struggling from an eating disorder. Compose a nonfiction story about the signs and symptoms that are leading you to this hypothosis. In the story, describe what you would do, as a friend, to help your friend cope and recover from this eating disorder.
- Imagine that you are responsible for the grocery shopping this week. Your mother has not made a grocery list or given you the menu for the weekly meals, but she has given you a budget. Create a scenario in which you must plan 3 nutritious meals a day for 7 days. Include how many people are in your family (one of your siblings has been struggling with anorexia nervosa), other health problems, nutritional needs, etc. Be sure to look at the nutritional value of the foods that you are planning to buy.
- Do a case study of a student (you choose the gender, physical characteristics, body composition, etc.) using the Healthy Body Calculator. You may use yourself as the case study if so desired. Describe the subject's eating patterns, explain whether or not they are eating correctly, and create a revised eating plan for the subject if needed.
Resources
The following pages will provide you with online resources that will help you to gain an understanding of eating disorders. They will also help you to complete the above task.
The Process
Eating disorders are rapidly growing in our society. You can make a difference in the lives of people around you who are suffering from eating disorders, but you must first take that step forward and become aware.
- Visit each page of this webquest and link to the sites provided. It is not necessary to read each entire site, but gather enough information so you can gain a better understanding of eating disorders.
- Take notes. Jot down your own ideas, thoughts, and feelings about eating disorders. Maybe you have already recognized some of these signs and symptoms in a friend or family member.
- If you have any questions about eating disorders, nutrition, dieting, or related topics, visit the Ask The Dietician or Hunger Pains website.
- When you have completed your research using a variety of information sources, select and complete one of the assignments listed above (Task).
Learning Advice
The objective of this webquest is to encourage you to become familiar with the three main eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. You may want to begin by checking out Signs and Symptoms or The Elisa Project, which will introduce you to these deadly disorders.
Pay close attention to the information that is given at these sites. There may be someone very dear to you that is suffering from an eating disorder, and you might be able to make a difference.
If you cannot think of any possible acquaintance suffering from an eating disorder, the websites are also a great way to discover if you are eating healthy and what you can do to change the way you eat if needs be. I encourage you to take advantage of the given sites, and improve your lifestyle by completing this webquest.
Conclusion
You have just completed a webquest that has hopefully made you more aware of eating disorders in your friends, family, and even yourself. I hope that you are encouraged to take a stand and help those who are suffering from improper nutrition. You can help those with eating disorders by teaching them the importance of nutrition, showing them the nutritional value of foods, helping them learn to shop for healthy foods, and much more.
Are you aware of
