Post by Lisa on Sept 23, 2006 17:43:23 GMT 7
Eating disorders - we’ve heard of them, learned of them and lived them. Now, how can we stop them?
"Go-getters" are more at risk
What predisposes certain young women to adopt disordered eating patterns like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa? There is no simple answer. However, there are personality traits that occur with increased frequency among these young women – many of which are virtues extolled by teachers and parents as markers for future success. Victims of eating disorders tend to be overachievers and perfectionists. They are often highly motivated, self-reliant individuals who demonstrate extreme dedication to school, career, and athletics. Unfortunately, any insecurities they might have are fueled by the overwhelming prospect of striving to meet impossibly lofty (and often self-imposed) expectations. In many instances, emotional trauma plays a role in the genesis of their illness. Although not always a factor, many families of anorexics and bulimics exhibit higher than normal rates of intrusive parenting, sexual abuse, and substance abuse.
However powerful these influences may be, most experts agree that they are only part of a very complex picture which is linked to our current culture.
Getting help
Treatment techniques for eating disorder patients typically involve a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional therapy, medical monitoring, health education, and sometimes pharmacotherapy. Treatment is best administered by a multidisciplinary team which usually includes a primary care physician, a mental health professional, and a clinical nutritionist or dietician.
According to Dr. Jonathan Rader of the Rader Institute, although the patient’s relationship with food is dysfunctional, their compulsive behavior surrounding food serves an important purpose. Rader adds, “In essence, the eating patterns become a survival mechanism, a way to cope.” For someone struggling with an eating disorder, abandoning that coping mechanism can be terrifying. To instill healthy attitudes about food, new patients at the Rader Institute participate in a one-on-one assessment with the nutrition therapist to develop their individual food plan. Patients are encouraged not to restrict their diet to particular foods, but to include a wide variety of different foods. “Part of overcoming faulty nutritional ideas is realizing that restrictive diets don’t work,” explains Rader.
The fitness option
Many experts contend that the sport of fitness perpetuates the sort of body image dissatisfaction which promotes eating disorders. Their argument is not without merit. In fact, statistically speaking, simply being an athlete places young women at increased risk for developing an eating disorder. On the other hand, the fitness lifestyle encourages physical education, serves as an important tool for many women in building self-esteem, and advocates nutritional awareness.
Please visit for more information:
Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association
Windsor, ON
www.bana.ca
Eating Disorder Education Organization
Edmonton, AB
www.edeo.org
American Anorexia/ Bulimia Association, Inc.
New York, NY
www.4woman.gov
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.
Eugene, OR
www.anred.com
National Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention
Seattle, WA
www.edap.org
Eating Disorder Referral and Information
Del Mar, CA
www.edreferral.com
Rader Programs, Inc.
www.raderprograms.com
From www.oxygenmag.com
Hard to Stomach - By Chris Lydon, MD
"Go-getters" are more at risk
What predisposes certain young women to adopt disordered eating patterns like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa? There is no simple answer. However, there are personality traits that occur with increased frequency among these young women – many of which are virtues extolled by teachers and parents as markers for future success. Victims of eating disorders tend to be overachievers and perfectionists. They are often highly motivated, self-reliant individuals who demonstrate extreme dedication to school, career, and athletics. Unfortunately, any insecurities they might have are fueled by the overwhelming prospect of striving to meet impossibly lofty (and often self-imposed) expectations. In many instances, emotional trauma plays a role in the genesis of their illness. Although not always a factor, many families of anorexics and bulimics exhibit higher than normal rates of intrusive parenting, sexual abuse, and substance abuse.
However powerful these influences may be, most experts agree that they are only part of a very complex picture which is linked to our current culture.
Getting help
Treatment techniques for eating disorder patients typically involve a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional therapy, medical monitoring, health education, and sometimes pharmacotherapy. Treatment is best administered by a multidisciplinary team which usually includes a primary care physician, a mental health professional, and a clinical nutritionist or dietician.
According to Dr. Jonathan Rader of the Rader Institute, although the patient’s relationship with food is dysfunctional, their compulsive behavior surrounding food serves an important purpose. Rader adds, “In essence, the eating patterns become a survival mechanism, a way to cope.” For someone struggling with an eating disorder, abandoning that coping mechanism can be terrifying. To instill healthy attitudes about food, new patients at the Rader Institute participate in a one-on-one assessment with the nutrition therapist to develop their individual food plan. Patients are encouraged not to restrict their diet to particular foods, but to include a wide variety of different foods. “Part of overcoming faulty nutritional ideas is realizing that restrictive diets don’t work,” explains Rader.
The fitness option
Many experts contend that the sport of fitness perpetuates the sort of body image dissatisfaction which promotes eating disorders. Their argument is not without merit. In fact, statistically speaking, simply being an athlete places young women at increased risk for developing an eating disorder. On the other hand, the fitness lifestyle encourages physical education, serves as an important tool for many women in building self-esteem, and advocates nutritional awareness.
Please visit for more information:
Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association
Windsor, ON
www.bana.ca
Eating Disorder Education Organization
Edmonton, AB
www.edeo.org
American Anorexia/ Bulimia Association, Inc.
New York, NY
www.4woman.gov
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.
Eugene, OR
www.anred.com
National Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention
Seattle, WA
www.edap.org
Eating Disorder Referral and Information
Del Mar, CA
www.edreferral.com
Rader Programs, Inc.
www.raderprograms.com
From www.oxygenmag.com