Dr. Bedrosian answers questions from members relating to:

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Eating disorders in children are a growing and serious health issue. At some point in time, parents may find themselves wondering if their child could have an eating disorder. Depending on the age and temperament of your child, it can be difficult to decide which behaviors are typical and which are not.

Teenagers who suffer from bulimia may show signs such as obsessive chewing of gum or ice, or recent vegetarianism. They may also exhibit more obvious signs like binge eating and purging. Younger children may become preoccupied with dieting and comparing themselves to others. Parents need to be sensitive to these signs. Because it is so difficult to be objective when it is your own child, you may find it helpful to review the following list of risk factors.

• Low self-esteem
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fear of gaining weight
• Menstrual irregularity
• Purging (vomiting or use of laxatives/diuretics)
• Bingeing (out of control eating)
• Distorted or negative body image
• Preoccupation with food
• Wanting to eat alone
• Obsession with exercising
• Wearing oversize clothing to hide body

There may also be a genetic component, as eating disorders are more common in children who have a close relative who suffers from one.

If you think that your child may have an eating disorder, you should see your doctor immediately, as the long-term effects can be devastating. Although it may be difficult to face the possibility, this is the wisest course of action. Research has shown that the earlier treatment is started the better the outcome is.

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In the United States today, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Approximately 25 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder. Because of the secrecy and shame associated with eating disorders, it is very likely that many more cases are not reported. During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week – February 27 to March 4 – the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and over 500 community health activists will help to raise awareness about the body image concerns and eating disorders that plague millions of people across the nation. MySelfHelp.com has teamed up with NEDA to fight today’s cultural pressures which are so strong that people are literally dying to be thin.

Our society's obsession with weight loss, exercise, and appearance can all too quickly start a vicious cycle of body dissatisfaction, extreme dieting, and obsessive exercise which can lead to a life-threatening eating disorder. To fight these dangerous attitudes and behaviors and encourage healthy body image and balanced eating habits, the National Eating Disorders Association is working to encourage individuals to “Get Real” expectations, “Get Real” information and “Get Real” help.

For information about eating disorders and NEDAW events in your area, please contact MySelfHelp.com at 508-393-5638 or visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org.

The National Eating Disorders Association is dedicated to expanding public understanding of eating disorders and promoting access to quality treatment for those affected along with support for their families through education, advocacy and research.

Did you know…

• The peak onset of eating disorders occurs during puberty and the late teen/early adult years.
• Approximately 10 million females and 1 million males in the U.S. are battling eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
• Eating disorders are a silent epidemic with devastating and life-threatening consequences. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
• Eating disorders affect people from all walks of life, including young children, middle-aged women, and men and individuals of all races and ethnicity.

There is help available, and there is hope.

While eating disorders are serious, potentially life threatening illnesses, there is help available and recovery is possible. It is also important for those affected to remember that they are not alone in their struggle; others have gone before them and are now living healthy, fulfilling lives. With family and friends to support them with the knowledge that this is an illness, not a behavior, they can find their way.

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Dr. Bedrosian answers questions from members relating to:

• Eating Disorders in Males
• Friend's Hidden Eating Disorder

Dear Dr. B.,

Do men get eating disorders? I can’t stop obsessing about my weight and can’t stand my body. I feel like I’m out of control and my college roommate said I need help. Talking to family is out of the question.

David N.

Dear David,

Yes, in fact, the number of men with eating disorders increases significantly each year. This is particularly true for athletes who have to maintain a specific weight or build. It is also due to the unrealistic expectations men develop based on media emphasis on the importance of having a “perfect” body –six-pack abs, muscular build, etc. – in order to attract women, be successful, etc.

I suggest you make an appointment with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. If you need help with this, you can go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or www.edreferral.com. You should also check out the counseling resources available at your college.

Dear Dr. B.,

My best friend has a serious eating disorder and won’t get help or tell anyone but me. We will be going to different colleges next year. I am worried about her, as she keeps getting worse, and feel helpless and guilty keeping this secret. How can I help?

Brigitte S.

Dear Brigitte,

Your friend has put you in a very difficult situation. Unfortunately, no one can force someone who has an eating disorder to get help. You should try to convince your friend that an eating disorder can be very harmful to her health – even deadly. The sooner she gets help, the better chance she has of recovering. Remind her that it is not her fault, help is available, and she can recover and live a better life. Encourage her to talk to a parent, other trusted adult, or a healthcare professional (doctor, school nurse, etc.) about her problem.

The best you can do is support your friend and continue to encourage her to get help. You may also want to discuss your friend’s problem with a parent or other adult you feel comfortable speaking with and who will respect your friend’s privacy. Even better, talk to a school counselor, nurse, or healthcare professional who can give you some guidance.

If your friend’s eating disorder gets so out of control that you fear for her safety, you should immediately speak with an adult who can help.

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A student at the Swinburne University in Australia is seeking male and female participants for a study on body image, weight, and relationships. The project aims to examine the relationships between body weight, body image, self-esteem and relationship quality. Participants should be 18 years or older, in a relationship, and living together for more than six months.

To learn more, click on the following link: http://www.media.swin.edu.au/surveyor/takesurvey.asp?s=01095009201140044157

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New Online Bulimia Program

The MySelfHelp.com Take Control of Bulimia program includes many new features, tools, and exercises, including:

• Exercise for Measuring Progress
• Food Log Exercise
• Additional Tools for Managing Bulimia
• Exercises to Help Stay Motivated to Change
• Exercise for Logging Episodes
• Newly Designed User Home Page
• Easy Guide & Tips for Using the Program
• Creating Healthy Eating Behaviors Section
• Coping Strategies for Painful or Difficult Emotions

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