New research suggests that girls who suffer from anorexia nervosa may grow to a normal height. Results of the study contradict the commonly-held belief that sufferers' growth is stunted.

"During normal puberty, levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth-factor-1 (IGF-1) rise, triggering a growth spurt.... It's possible.... that this process of growth and bone aging is delayed in girls with anorexia, giving them a chance to reach their full potential height after they recover."

The study's author, Dr. Rajani Prabhakaran of Harvard Medical School, did note that height stunting became an issue in girls who suffered from anorexia for 2 ½ years or more. Source: Reuters

Labels: anorexia, growth, hormones

The transition into adolescence is difficult for most girls. As their hormones change and bodies begin to develop, they become more aware of how they look - not only to themselves, but to other people.

"The National Institute on Media and the Family estimates that 53 percent of 13-year-olds are unhappy with their body image. Research shows girls with negative self-esteem are more likely to be depressed or anxious and practice unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, poor eating habits, dieting and/or eating disorders."

Nutritionist Stacey Antine, R.D., teaches a class for 8th graders called the Natural Beauty Workshop. The purpose is to show girls the benefits of healthy eating. The class also provides the girls an opportunity to discuss ways that the media influences their ideas of beauty and health. Read more at WSOCTV.com.

New Leaf Academy offers junior boarding schools for middle school girls who are having a hard time transitioning to adolescence.

Labels: body_image, hormones, puberty