Page 162 - Food And Human

Form One

Pica
Pica is an eating disorder which involves eating non-food items that lack nutritional
value, such as soil, chalk, charcoal or even ice. This condition is most commonly
observed in children and pregnant women. Pica can be dangerous as it may lead to
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serious health problems including poisoning, infections, gut injuries, and nutrient
defi ciency.

Exercise 7.2

Tanipa is a 14-year-old Form Two student. She has been trying to control her
weight through strict dieting. She always has intense fear of gaining weight and
avoids social gatherings that involve food, and she looks underweight.

Questions

(i) Which eating disorder is Tanipa suffering from?

(ii) How will you help Tanipa regain weight, develop a positive image and
establish a good relationship with food and physical activity?

Prevention and control of eating disorders

Controlling eating disorders involves collective actions that address physical,
psychological and emotional aspects of the condition. Eating disorders can have
severe consequences on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. While there
is no exact way to prevent eating disorders, developing healthy eating habits can
be helpful. It is worth noting that every individual’s journey to recover from an
eating disorder is unique. Therefore, seeking professional help from healthcare
providers specialised in eating disorder treatment is crucial. Early action to address
these problems can signifi cantly improve the chances of successful recovery. The
following are the ways of controlling eating disorders:

Medical assessment and treatment

A healthcare professional may conduct a thorough medical assessment to evaluate
the individual’s overall health, identify any medical complications resulting from
the eating disorder, and develop a suitable treatment plan. Medical treatment may
involve addressing any nutritional conditions, stabilising weight, and managing any
physical health issues related to the eating disorder.

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