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

Emily Reese is currently the best girls distance runner in the state of Georgia. Soon, she'll compete for her fourth state championship. All Georgia eyes are on her, as are such universities as Duke Princeton and Harvard. Emily knows that a good deal of attention comes along with all her success.

"It also comes with being 5 feet 6, 100 pounds in a sport that can seduce girls into believing that leaner means faster. 'I wouldn't say that I have to defend myself, but I know that some people make comments on how thin I am,' Reese said."

Reese is naturally thin and doesn't try to lose weight; in fact, she's trying to gain a few extra pounds just make sure she stays healthy. She regularly visits a nutritionist, and has an annual blood work screen. She places a lot of importance on letting other girls in her sport know that you don't have to be thin to be fast.

Mount Bachelor Academy, like other schools for troubled teens, offer therapy and counseling to students struggling with their emotions. Learn more at www.mtba.com.

Labels: healthy, nutrition, weight_gain