Eating and Weight Disorders

Catalog description

Eating behaviors vary widely across individuals, but only the extremes of these behaviors are considered pathological. This course provides an opportunity for students to attain a theoretical overview of eating and weight-related disorders, including anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, obesity, and dieting. The course will discuss theories and current literature on the causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of eating and weight-related disorders. In addition, the course will also provide an overview of the differences in the prevalence, manifestations, and treatment of disordered eating in special populations, including men, children, athletes, and minorities. For each topic discussed, students will have related readings to provide insight on the history, theory, research and challenges related to this topic. At the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the history, definition, causes and controversies in eating and weight disorders. In addition, students will be able to define the various eating disorders and critically discuss research regarding their causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention.