This book is an approachable introduction to eating disorders; one of the most common—and dangerous—forms of mental illness. The information, guidance, and resources offered make it a valuable tool for anyone struggling with issues surrounding food, weight, and body image. In the United States today, an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, and millions more have disordered eating habits and a dysfunctional relationship with food. Whether their disorder is diagnosed or not, individuals struggling with these issues face serious and potentially lifelong physical and emotional consequences as a result of their behaviors. Eating Disorders: Your Questions Answered, a part of Greenwood's Q&A Health Guides series, provides clear, concise information for readers who want to learn more about these often misunderstood psychiatric illnesses. In addition to discussing the most common eating disorders, their consequences, and treatment, this book also explores how eating disorders develop and how they can be prevented. Each book in this series follows a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readers' needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrates key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The book also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet—important skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.

Benefiting readers ranging from students researching topics in food, psychology, and eating disorders to parents and general readers seeking to better understand a variety of issues regarding the psychology of food and eating, this book examines a wide range of complex issues, such as emotional eating, food as a form of social bonding and personal identity, and changes in eating throughout the lifespan. Filling Up: The Psychology of Eating addresses a broad subject area that some may rarely think about but that actually encompasses topics relevant to all individuals, regardless of culture or ethnicity. Eating is often an emotionally charged event, and as such, it involves powerful feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Why are we driven to eat what we do and how we do, what are the current controversies and debates that surround the psychology of eating, and how are eating patterns outside of the United States different than ours-and why? A new addition to the Psychology of Everyday Life series, this book provides a comprehensive examination of issues surrounding food and eating across the lifespan and around the globe. Many of the positive aspects of food, such as social bonding and continuance of ethnic identity and pride through food and family traditions, are highlighted, as are the serious negative aspects of eating, such as food-borne pathogens, unhealthy "trendy" diets, and the various health issues that result from over- or undereating. The book identifies and inspects numerous historical trends related to eating styles over time, including the history of fast food, the advent and booming popularity of food trucks, and food-based traditions like the wedding cake. Readers will benefit from scholarly essays that tackle interesting issues-such as whether or not sugar addiction is real and the merits of a Paleo diet-and that examine both sides of the debate and empower readers to reach their own informed opinions. Addresses both the positive and negative physiological, psychological, and social aspects of food and eating Explores psychologists' theories related to food and eating, translating them into real-world contexts Examines debates regarding controversial topics such as sugar addiction, fad diets, and the "Freshman 15" Includes case illustrations about a variety of food-related issues that give readers a firsthand look at topics such as dieting, mindful eating, and stress eating

Written by a leading expert in the field of sport science, this motivational text provides a thorough overview of fitness and exercise psychology as it relates to everyday life. A title in the Psychology of Everyday Life series, this unique book addresses the connections between sport and exercise psychology and life outside of competitive endeavors-from definitions, theories, and applications to the real-life issues affecting athletes. It provides an accessible overview of sport and exercise psychology that enables readers to apply effective sport performance and exercise psychology concepts to their own lives, regardless of whether they pursue athletic endeavors or not. Covering topics that range from goalsetting to motivation to personality, this book can also serve to inspire readers to create a personal activity program based on achievable goals and realistic expectations, regardless of starting point or desired outcomes. Author Justine J. Reel shares fascinating insights into the world of physical fitness and its associated behaviors, including why athletes who adopt a task-oriented approach will show a stronger work ethic and more motivation than athletes who focus on outcomes, what is prompting the spread of sport psychology to other parts of the world, why more and more athletes are at risk for developing eating disorders, and who social physique anxiety afflicts. The book also presents various viewpoints and debates on current controversies in the field of sport and exercise. Illustrates sport and exercise psychology's growth across the globe through fascinating historical perspectives Discusses the factors impacting body image and associated issues, including eating disorders and social physique anxiety Demonstrates multiple sides of controversies within sport and exercise Features case studies related to sport and exercise psychology to show real-life connections Includes a helpful glossary that defines unfamiliar and technical terms

A timely, relevant work, this encyclopedia provides a comprehensive examination of a full range of topics related to eating disorders and body image. The mortality rate associated with eating disorders is higher than that of any other psychiatric illness. What are the factors that influence abnormal perceptions of body image and trigger the deadly behaviors of food deprivation or uncontrollable gluttony? This indispensable resource thoroughly examines the complex subject of eating disorders, particularly the sociocultural, psychological, and nutritional aspects of eating disorders and body image. Eating Disorders: An Encyclopedia of Causes, Treatment, and Prevention explores the definitions, risk factors, symptoms, and health consequences of such illnesses as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. The author discusses the assessment and treatment of these conditions, and imparts health education strategies related to the "Dos and Don'ts" of awareness and prevention efforts. Additionally, she shares tips for recognizing symptoms and discusses where to seek help if a friend or family member is affected. Topics include flight attendants and body weight requirements, the impact of Virtual Reality, and media and sociocultural influences. Case illustrations of eating disorder concerns A timeline of the history of eating disorders Contributions from experts in cross-disciplinary fields Types of prevention programs and ways to promote positive body image

This encyclopedia offers a variety of resources for readers interested in learning more about eating disorders, including hundreds of reference entries, interviews, scholarly debates, and case studies. While many people may reflexively imagine an anorexic or bulimia teenage girl upon being asked to think about eating disorders, eating disorders are a form of mental illness that can take many forms and affect individuals of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. In fact, an estimated eight million people in the United States struggle with an eating disorder, making eating disorders one of the most prevalent forms of mental illness in America. This two-volume encyclopedia comprehensively examines eating disorders as the forms they can take; their causes and potential complications; and how they can best be treated and prevented. It also examines the influence had by cultural factors such as the fashion industry, television and movies, and social media. More than just a simple A-to-Z reference, Eating Disorders: Understanding Causes, Controversies, and Treatment also includes valuable features such as Q&A interviews with those affected by and working to combat eating disorders, case studies, scholarly essays that voice opinions in key debates, and a directory of resources for individuals seeking help. Reflects recent changes in approaches to eating disorders brought about by the publication of the latest edition of the DSM Explores key issues related to eating disorders and models critical thinking and argument construction in the Controversies and Debates section Offers insights from a variety of perspectives expounded upon in interviews with scholars, eating disorder professionals, patients, and family members Gives readers a "real world" look at the many ways eating disorders can manifest and progress in the Case Illustrations section