A recent study conducted by SELF magazine, in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has found that 65% of American women between the ages of 25 and 45 have disordered eating behaviors. An additional 10% of women admitted to behaviors consistent with eating disorders.

"'What we found most surprising was the unexpectedly high number of women who engage in unhealthy purging activities,' said [Cynthia R.] Bulik, who is also a nutrition professor in the [UNC] School of Public Health. 'More than 31 percent of women in the survey reported that in an attempt to lose weight they had induced vomiting or had taken laxatives, diuretics or diet pills at some point in their life."

SELF magazine's editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger said she hopes this information will help the magazine's readers determine whether their eating habits are healthy or not, and take action if necessary. Source: Newsmax

Learn about healthy weight loss strategies at WeightLossCentral.org.

Labels: eating_habits, healthy_eating, media_influences

The fashion industry is often named as the primary cause of eating disorders among young women. The super-skinny models, many people claim, set an unobtainable standard that girls are so desperate to achieve that they'll starve themselves. While the environment does play a role, scientists have made some startling discoveries lately that point to genetics as the primary cause for anorexia nervosa.

"Many people diet, they say, and almost everyone is bombarded with pressures to be thin, but only a very few - less than half a percent of all women and a scant number of men - develop anorexia. Experts also point to a long history of anorexia over the centuries, before strikingly thin models became cultural superstars and skinny became the ideal of feminine beauty."

Scientists say that genetic predisposition can account for up to 70 percent of a person's risk for developing an eating disorder. One of the biggest indicators that environment is less of a factor and genetics more is that the prevalence of anorexia has remained steady over the past 30 years, despite increased societal pressures to be thin. Source: The Toronto Star

Labels: body_type, media_influences, role_models

Members of the French fashion industry have signed a government-backed charter aimed at fighting anorexia. The charter asked participants to work toward presenting diverse body images and not publicizing images that promote extreme thinness.

"The nonbinding charter was signed by groups including the French Couture Federation, the French Federation for Women's Pret-a-Porter and the Union of Modeling Agencies, as well as some representatives of advertising and media."

France has had some modeling guidelines since the 1980s, including mandatory medical visits for models under 16 years old. Source: Arizona Star

Labels: fashion, media_influences, prevention

Soon, the French could begin handing down jail sentences in connection with the promotion or encouragement of anorexic behavior. The draft law, proposed by French senator Valerie Boyer, is aimed at halting images and messages in the media that glorify excessive thinness.

"While not seeking to target bona fide dieting, the law would punish any encouragement to make 'people deprive themselves of food in order to get excessively thin', or than constituted an 'open apology of anorexia.'"

Penalties for breaking the law would include up to three years in jail and a nearly $60,000 fine if the message or image resulted in someone's death from anorexia. Simply inciting anorexic behavior would carry a penalty of two years in jail. Source: Telegraph UK

Labels: legislation, media_influences, pro-ana

Australian men's magazine FHM recently conducted an online survey asking men to pick their "preferred" body type from models who were sizes eight, twelve and fourteen. Overwhelmingly, men chose the size 12 and 14 models, which some think is good news for women and young girls who struggle with body image issues.

"But Julie Thomson, general manager of eating disorders and body image campaigners The Butterfly Foundation, said such surveys were far more damaging to women than they were helpful."

While Thomson believes such surveys objectify women, body image expert Marika Tiggemann believes the findings show that most women have distorted views of how thin they have to be in order to be attractive. Source: SMH.com.

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Labels: body_image, body_type, media_influences

A young woman writes in to an advice columnist looking for help in dealing with her parents. For years, she struggled with bulimia and now - thanks in part to counseling and antidepressants - she's healthy, has good relationships, and is genuinely excited about her life. But mom isn't supportive. How hard should this young woman try to win over her mom?

"Ask your counselor if it would be a good idea to bring your mother to a session. It might help her accept your choices if she hears from a professional."

The advice columnist goes on to say that if mom is still unsupportive, the girl needs to put her own health before her mom's approval. Source: SunHerald.com.

Labels: parents, support, therapy

A teenage boy sits in his car and eats an entire pizza before driving home. He's feeling anxious and out of control, so he overeats; afterward, he feels bloated and ashamed.

"Losing weight is not a cure for binge-eating disorder, as the problem is driven by emotions rather than pounds. Research shows that while gastric bypass surgery may help people lose weight, it doesn't cure binge-eating disorder."

According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for binge-eating disorder, though certain medications can help as well. Read more at Fredericksburg.com.

Labels: binge_eating, emotions, feelings

In recent years, studies have found that about 42 percent of first- through third-grade girls want to be thinner, and 81 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. These thoughts are serious and potentially dangerous for young kids.

"The cute mice of a new storybook, 'Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings,' are foot soldiers in a budding campaign led by medical professionals, like author and clinical psychologist Dina Zeckhausen, who contend the scourge of eating disorders in North America should be addressed at the earliest age."

Zeckhausen's book is part of a larger initiative called "mindful eating" that seeks to teach kids about the connections that should and shouldn't exist between emotions, food, and body image. Read more at Statesman.com.

Learn more about Mindful Eating at WeightLossCentral.org.

Labels: emotions, feelings, young_girls

The National Eating Disorders Association has provided 10 tips to help kids have a healthy relationship with food.

"There are no 'good' or 'bad' foods, so eat lots of different foods, including fruits, vegetables and even sweets sometimes."

Other tips include not eating when you're bored or sad, getting involved in a sport you like, and being careful not to equate being super thin with being healthy or happy. Source: SacBee.com.

Labels: emotions, food, relationships

Teenage girls who smoke do not weigh less than those who abstain, according to a new study from the University of Montreal.

Dr. Jennifer O'Laughlin and her team tracked 1,293 teenagers for five years through a series of questionnaires. She said they were surprised at their own results, because they too had bought into the myth that smoking is a good way to control weight.

Labels: girls, heath, smoking