Most of us live in cultures which urges us (especially women) to improve our appearance. The messages sent by magazines, television, and other media include "buy certain clothes and products; straighten and whiten your teeth; get rid of your wrinkles; and most commonly, LOSE WEIGHT and you will be happy, admired, and loved." The ongoing debate concerning the unhealthy, stick thin models used in the fashion industry is a perfect example of how strongly held our notion of "thinness equals happiness" has become.
Although many of us would benefit from eating a bit less and exercising more in order improve our health and fitness, simply watching what you eat is NOT an eating disorder. Eating Disorders are potentially life-threatening conditions with psychological and physical effects. They are characterized by a number of abnormal and harmful eating behaviors. People with an eating disorder have unhealthy beliefs, thoughts and expectations concerning eating, weight, and body shap...More
For more information on symptoms and characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa
For more information on symptoms and characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa
For more information on symptoms and characteristics of Binge-Eating Disorder
Extreme dieting behaviors often begin in the teen years and worsen in adulthood, a new study finds. More...
Overweight and obese young adults are twice as likely as those who are thinner to try to control their weight through binging and purging, using laxatives or diuretics, or forcing themselves to vomit, a new study finds. More...
Treatment outcomes for adolescents with eating disorders seem to correlate with family reports of perceived helpfulness of the family-based treatment approach, according to a study published online April 10 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. More...