Eating disorders and self-image issues are often associated upper-middle-class white girls. But a documentary film "The Souls of Black Girls" exposes the same struggles among African American girls.

"[Filmmaker Daphne] Valerius said her own experience of growing up black and undergraduate research she did at St. John's University in New York were the foundation for her film. She wanted to examine who women of color reconcile their self-image with the images portrayed in today's media..."

As a teenager, Valerius aspired to be a dancer for people like Janet Jackson, but never felt she was pretty enough. In her documentary, Valerius explores the inner conflicts that many black women endure as they question what image and standard they should be attempting to achieve.
Source: The News-Tribune (WA)

Labels: body_image, self-esteem

Researchers associated with the University of Western Sydney (Australia) have found a strong link between obesity and eating disorders:

"People who are overweight or have weight disorder have higher weight and shape concerns, and often engage much more commonly in extreme weight control behaviors, which then develop into more serious disordered eating and eating disorders such as binge eating..."

The best way to treat an obese individual who also struggles with disordered eating is to incorporate a combined approach of counseling, diet, and exercise. Source: The World Today

Labels: body_image, obesity, weight_gain

With the economy in turmoil, fewer people who struggle with eating disorders are getting the help they need. Some can't afford it, while others simply don't want to spend the money.

The danger of not seeking help for an eating disorder can be very serious because they can cause many medical complications, even death... Eating disorders often take a turn for the worse due to increased personal family stress. As eating disorders intensify, they become more difficult to treat.

If you or someone you know needs treatment for an eating disorder, don't assume treatment will be too expensive. There are many options. Research counselors and therapists, as well as both in- and out-patient programs. Source: PR Web

Labels: complications, stress, treatment

A concerned parent recently wrote in to an online food magazine for advice about her teenage daughter. The daughter seems to have gotten overly concerned about the food she's eating and watches her food intake "very closely," the mother reported. Mom doesn't know what to do, and is looking for some help.

"The first thing you should do is sit down and talk with your daughter. In any intervention regarding an eating disorder, it's important to communicate with the individual you're concerned about... It's important for anyone intervening to remember that these are often delicate situations, and simply sitting down with the individual and expressing concerns and asking questions in a non-judgmental manner is a critical step forward."

The first conversation is important, but follow-up conversations are just as important. Make it known that you will help the person find a counselor or recovery program that will help them overcome their disorder. Source: Culinate.com

Labels: communication, parents, prevention

A new documentary titled "America the Beautiful" tells the story of Gerren Taylor, a young girl who lived the dream of so many young girls by becoming a fashion model. But by her early teens, her career dissipated as quickly as it had developed, and Taylor was told that, as a size 4, she was too big for the runway.

"'America the Beautiful,' the third film and first documentary by Chicago-based [Darryl] Roberts, is a questioning, broad-ranging look at the culture of beauty and physical perfection in the United States. Roberts' goal, as he describes it, was simple. He wanted to find out why Americans have become beauty-obsessed."(The Buffalo News)

"We can get the hair extensions, the fake nails and makeup, and all that, but the real person's on the inside," Gerren told writer Elizabeth Kaye McCall. "If you have a great personality and can just be yourself, you're beautiful. If you think you're the bomb, you are the bomb."

Labels: awareness, modeling, perceptions

Researchers associated with the University of Western Sydney (Australia) have found a strong link between obesity and eating disorders:

"People who are overweight or have weight disorder have higher weight and shape concerns, and often engage much more commonly in extreme weight control behaviors, which then develop into more serious disordered eating and eating disorders such as binge eating..."

The best way to treat an obese individual who also struggles with disordered eating is to incorporate a combined approach of counseling, diet, and exercise. Source: The World Today

Labels: obe

A young girl's death in Norfolk, England, has been blamed on delays in getting the treatment she needed for anorexia. Greater Norfolk Coroner William Armstrong made the comments at a Nov. 6 inquest.

Mr. Armstrong said he would make recommendations to both [National Health Service] Norfolk and the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Trust after the inquest heard there had been a five-week delay between her [doctor's] referral and an assessment by a mental health nurse.

Charlotte Robinson was first referred for treatment on April 30, but was not seen by a mental health nurse until the June 5. She was not admitted to a hospital for treatment until July 20, by which time she weighed just 77 pounds. Source: EDP24

Labels: death, mental_health, treatment

New Zealand TV host Alison Mau remembers what it's like to be young and obsessed with physical appearance. As a teenager, she struggled with self-image and tried a number of crash diets in order to lose weight.

"With her daughter Paris, 10, entering her tweens, Alison is well aware of how important positive messages about a problem which can plague adolescent girls can be... 'There are far more important things to think about, and more enjoyable things to think about, than what you look like.'"

Mau shared her experiences in an effort to support the Eating Difficulties Education Network (EDEN) which designated Oct. 15 as Love Your Body day. Mau encouraged anyone who thinks they have body image or eating disorder issues to get help immediately.Source: New Zealand Sunday News

Labels: support, treatment, TV

People who are in good physical health are often admired for their dedication as well as for their physiques. As such, few people would look at someone who was jogging or working out in a gym and think there was a problem. But an increasing number of people are developing an unhealthy exercise obsession that is known as anorexia athletica.

"[Chris] Lamps [a child and adolescent psychologist] said there's no clear-cut, giveaway sign that someone is over-exercising, and that it's a broad spectrum of how well that person is functioning in the rest of their life that fits in with their overall health."

Exercise releases endorphins, which some people's bodies respond to in a manner similar to how people are affected by narcotics. These people can become addicted to what's known as the "runner's high." Often, people who are obsessed with exercise also restrict calories or begin purging. If a person's body is deteriorating from too much exercise, or he is making damaging sacrifices in other areas of life, they may have a serious problem. Source: News Leader (VA)

Labels: exercise, health, obsession

When Katie Green appeared on a billboard in central London, she thought her modeling career was really taking off. But just a few weeks later, the agency representing her told her she'd have to lose about 30 pounds if she wanted to continue working with them.

"She immediately began trying to slim down her 5'10", [145 lb.] frame, going to the gym every day and cutting out carbohydrates... 'I lost seven pounds in just a few days but I became desperately unhappy... It was not worth sacrificing my health permanently.'"

Green left the modeling agency and gave an interview to a national newspaper in which she spoke out against the "size zero culture." She was quickly hired by another agency and is now the face of Ultimo underwear in the UK. Thankful that she didn't compromise her health in order to "make it", Katie has launched a "Say No to Size Zero" campaign aimed at helping young girls develop healthy body image not based on size or weight. Source: The Portsmouth (UK) News

Labels: awareness, modeling, pressures

In an anonymous blog, a teenager confessed that a weight loss effort that began with a desire to be healthy is slowly becoming something else. Her first goal was to lose 5 pounds. She's lost 10 and has set a new goal.

"115 is my goal. I want to show myself I have enough will power to get there. And that I'll be even HAPPIER when I get there. I still eat, I'm just trying to gain all of my self-control to get there."

She admitted concern over her increasing obsession with food and weight loss, but she still tried to convince herself that although she may be at risk, she's really OK. Source: Confession of a Teenager (blog)

Labels: awareness, control, dieting