Describe the consequences of disordered eating and eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder and the importance of seeking help from a parent

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.115.27.G7.06D primary
  describe the consequences of disordered eating and eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder and the importance of seeking help from a parent or another trusted adult for oneself or others related to disordered eating;
• TEKS.115.27.G7.06E primary
  discuss the suicide risk and suicide protective factors identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the importance of telling a parent or another trusted adult if one observes the warning signs in self or others;
• TEKS.115.27.G7.06F primary
  research and discuss protective factors and healthy self-management strategies to avoid self-harming behaviors; and

Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces Grade 7 students to the serious consequences of disordered eating and eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs, understanding suicide risks and protective factors, and encourages seeking help from parents or trusted adults. Students will also explore healthy self-management strategies to avoid self-harming behaviors, fostering mental health and wellness awareness.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the consequences of disordered eating and eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder.
• Explain the importance of seeking help from a parent or another trusted adult for oneself or others related to disordered eating.
• Discuss suicide risk and suicide protective factors identified by the CDC and the importance of telling a parent or trusted adult if warning signs are observed in self or others.
• Research and discuss protective factors and healthy self-management strategies to avoid self-harming behaviors.

Success Criteria

• Students can identify and describe the consequences of bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder.
• Students can explain why it is important to seek help from a parent or trusted adult regarding disordered eating.
• Students can discuss suicide risks and protective factors and recognize warning signs in themselves or others.
• Students can identify protective factors and healthy strategies to manage mental health and avoid self-harm.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of mental health and wellness concepts and be familiar with the idea of trusted adults in their lives.

Key Vocabulary

• Disordered eating
• Eating disorders
• Bulimia
• Anorexia
• Binge eating disorder
• Suicide risk
• Protective factors
• Self-harming behaviors
• Trusted adult

Materials and Resources

• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers
• Printed scenarios or role-play cards
• CDC suicide risk and protective factors handout (simplified)
• Reflection journals or paper

Teacher Preparation

• Review TEKS standards TEKS.115.27.G7.06D, TEKS.115.27.G7.06E, and TEKS.115.27.G7.06F.
• Prepare clear definitions and examples of bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder.
• Prepare role-play scenarios illustrating warning signs and seeking help.
• Print or prepare handouts summarizing suicide risk and protective factors from the CDC.
• Plan questions to guide discussion and reflection.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders

Disordered eating refers to irregular eating behaviors that may not meet the criteria for a clinical eating disorder but can still harm health. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. The three common types discussed are bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging. Anorexia involves extreme restriction of food intake leading to dangerously low body weight. Binge eating disorder involves frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging. These disorders can cause physical health problems such as malnutrition, heart issues, and digestive problems, as well as mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

Consequences of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can lead to severe health consequences including weakened immune system, heart complications, electrolyte imbalances, and in extreme cases, death. They also affect emotional well-being, causing feelings of shame, isolation, and low self-esteem. Recognizing these consequences helps students understand the seriousness of these conditions and the importance of early intervention.

Importance of Seeking Help from Trusted Adults

Students should understand that eating disorders are medical and psychological conditions that require support. Seeking help from a parent or another trusted adult is crucial for getting appropriate care. Trusted adults can help connect individuals to healthcare professionals and provide emotional support. Emphasize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Suicide Risk and Protective Factors

The CDC identifies suicide risk factors such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, and stressful life events. Protective factors include strong personal relationships, access to mental health care, and problem-solving skills. Students should learn to recognize warning signs of suicide in themselves or others, such as talking about wanting to die, withdrawal, or drastic mood changes, and understand the importance of telling a trusted adult immediately.

Healthy Self-Management Strategies and Protective Factors

Protective factors that help avoid self-harming behaviors include positive relationships, healthy coping skills, and access to support systems. Healthy self-management strategies include talking about feelings, engaging in physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help when needed. Teaching these strategies empowers students to manage stress and emotions in safe ways.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

Students work in groups to read or act out scenarios, identify signs of eating disorders, and discuss the importance of seeking help.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What is one example of an eating disorder?
2. Developing: Why is it important to tell a trusted adult if you notice someone showing signs of an eating disorder?
3. Application: Identify two warning signs of suicide that someone might observe in a friend.
4. Analysis: Explain how healthy self-management strategies can protect someone from self-harming behaviors.
5. Challenge: Describe the consequences of binge eating disorder and why seeking help early is important.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. An example of an eating disorder is bulimia.
2. 2. Because trusted adults can help the person get the support and care they need to recover.
3. 3. Talking about wanting to die and withdrawing from friends or activities are two warning signs.
4. 4. Healthy self-management strategies help people cope with stress and emotions in safe ways, reducing the need to harm themselves.
5. 5. Binge eating disorder can lead to physical health problems like obesity and emotional issues like guilt and depression. Seeking help early can prevent these problems from worsening and support recovery.

Guiding Questions

• What behaviors might indicate someone has an eating disorder?
• Why is it important to tell a trusted adult if you or someone you know is struggling?
• What are some warning signs of suicide to watch for?
• How can healthy self-management strategies help prevent self-harm?

Common Misconceptions

• Eating disorders are just about food choices and are not serious health problems.
• Only people who are very thin can have eating disorders.
• Asking for help means you are weak or a failure.
• Self-harming behaviors are always visible and easy to notice.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe student participation in discussions and role-plays.
• Review notes and questions students ask during explanations.
• Check understanding through guided questions during activities.
• Write one consequence of an eating disorder.
• Name one warning sign of suicide.
• List one healthy self-management strategy.
• Write a short essay describing an eating disorder, its consequences, and why seeking help is important.
• Create a poster illustrating suicide protective factors and warning signs.

Answer Guide

• What eating disorder involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging?
  Answer: Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging.
• Why should someone tell a trusted adult if they notice warning signs of suicide?
  Answer: Because trusted adults can help get the person the support and care they need to stay safe.
• Name one healthy self-management strategy to avoid self-harming behaviors.
  Answer: Talking about feelings with someone trusted is a healthy self-management strategy.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to talk with their parents or guardians about the importance of mental health, recognizing warning signs, and knowing who to ask for help at home.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to talk with their parents or guardians about the importance of mental health, recognizing warning signs, and knowing who to ask for help at home.

Lesson Summary

Students learned about the serious consequences of disordered eating and eating disorders including bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder. They explored the importance of seeking help from parents or trusted adults and discussed suicide risks and protective factors identified by the CDC. The lesson also covered healthy self-management strategies to avoid self-harming behaviors, empowering students to support themselves and others in maintaining mental health and wellness.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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