Case Study #3

Meet Amelia

• 15 year old female
• Runs cross-country for school
• Recently fainted during a 5k race
• Went to see her physician

What Amelia has experienced in 2 weeks:

• Muscle cramping
• Headaches
• Fainting

Amelia 6 months ago:

• Experienced abdominal pain
• Burning sensation in chest
• Began taking antacids
• Started eating small, more frequent meals
• Lost 15 pounds & is now in the 5th percentile in weight for her age.

Amelia's Past Medical History:

• No heart disease, asthma, epilepsy, or diabetes
• On no medication
• No vitamin or mineral supplements
• No allergies

Amelia's Stat's

• Friends are fellow school athletes
• Wants to maintain muscular physique
• Scared to gain any weight
• Weighs 90 pounds
• Thinks she is overweight/not muscular enough for running
• In 24 hours, ate 900-1,000 calories in one day

Clues? Is There An Eating Disorder Present?

• No pre-existing diseases or health issues
• No vitamins/minerals are affecting her negatively
• Since there are no allergies, nothing in the air/outdoors would make her faint

Possible causes why Amelia fainted?

• She has electrolyte abnormalities
• She is not getting enough food or fuel to keep her body going
• She had low blood pressure

Why did Amelia experience muscle cramps?

• She had a loss in muscle mass
• She is becoming malnourished
• She had a lack of potassium

Why did Amelia experience headaches?

• She had low blood sugar
• She's not eating enough
• She isn't drinking enough water

Amelia's calorie consumption

Amelia's Weight

Is Amelia's diet appropriate?

• NO!!! She is underweight and not consuming enough calories
• She needs to be consuming more calories and fat to keep up with her physical activity
• She is still growing and needs many nutrients to support her activity
• It is unhealthy for Amelia to skip meals

Nutrient Deficiencies Amelia's at risk for:

• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Copper

Amelia's Recommended Treatment:

• See a therapist or counselor for sessions
• Set goals for healthy eating habits
• Involve Amelia's family
• Set a positive atmosphere

You're on your way