Eating disorders are most common among teenagers and young adults. But the medical community is seeing more older adult women who are struggling with disordered eating and poor body image.

Moifa Thomas of Sun-Times Media reported on the phenomenon in a March 2 article:

Lynn Grefe, chief executive officer of the National Eating Disorders Association, said the group hasn't done formal research on the trend, but, "anecdotally, we are hearing more and more cases of women over 30" seeking treatment.

Nationally, one-fourth of hospital stays involving eating disorders in 2005-06 were for people 30 to 45 years old, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Fifteen percent of hospitalizations involved 45- to 64-year-olds.

Labels: women, trends, adults

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The pro-ana, or pro-anorexic, subculture has been around for years. But now technology is making it easier for "pro-anorexics" to find each other through websites and discussion groups.

"One of the primary symbols in these groups is the 'goddess Ana.' Group participants personify anorexia and bulimia by giving them feminine nicknames - Ana and Mia. Members talk about praying or talking to Ana, frequently deified as a goddess or angel, and asking her for support."

It's common practice on many of these discussion groups for participants to post information about their current weight and their goal weight. Many will also post before and after pictures and ask for verification from the group that they are indeed losing weight. Read more at DigitalYouth.com.

Labels: trends, support, pro-ana

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"Super-thin" has been in for a long time. But curvy is now becoming hip in the fashion and entertainment industries.

"Curvy figures have taken the fashion industry by storm. In fashion magazines, red carpet events and runway shows, being full-figured is now welcomed."

The Elena Miro line of clothing for full-figured women was featured in Milan's fashion week two weeks ago, and the curvy Jennifer Hudson's figure was described as "flattering" in InStyle magazine. Sociology professor William McIntosh has speculated that the growing trend could partially be attributed to the recent illnesses and deaths of fashion models which have been caused by eating disorders. Read more online.

Labels: media_influences, trends, fashion

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