Frequently Asked Questions
I often receive emails from readers, asking for ideas on finding information on specific aspects of eating disorders.
Some of the most common questions I receive are:
* Why do people develop an eating disorder?
* Is the increase in eating disorders over recent years, directly related to magazines, tv, movies and other media?
* How do I help a friend or loved one with an eating disorder?
* How do I help myself?
Below, I will provide my thoughts, as well as links to various articles and sites, which may help answer these questions.
WHY DO PEOPLE DEVEOP AN EATING DISORDER? In my opinion and from my own experience, I believe that true eating disorders develop not as a weight issue, but as an issue of control. There seem to be two types of people whe develop eating disorders: Those who are already very controlled in their life (athletes, ballerinas, etc.), but take the controlling aspect of their eating and weight too far.... and those whose lifes may be in some sort of turmoil or disarray (relationship problems, school concerns, emotionally troubled), who find some sort of comfort in the numbing (but deceptive) control of an eating disorder. As for me, I'd have to say I fall into the later category.
So, what do other's have to say about this?
* Joanna Poppink, M.F.T., from HealthyPlace.com has some interesting ideas.
* The Something-Fishy.org site lists a number of things which influence an eating disorder.
* The Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention site, offers interesting information. From their main page, you'll need to click on ED INFO, and then BASIC FACTS. Scroll down a bit to find WHAT CAUSES AN EATING DISORDER.
IS THE INCREASE IN EATING DISORDERS OVER RECENT YEARS, DIRECTLY RELATED TO MAGAZINES, TV, MOVIES, AND OTHER MEDIA?
Directly related? Hmmmm, I'd have to say no. But can magazines, tv, movies and other media influence someone with an eating disorder? Sure, they absolutely can. You have to understnad, that if I'm stuck in this nightmare spiral of self-loathing, and choose to focus all my energy on hating my body (rather than focusing on the issues in my life which really need to be dealt with), then it can be terribly easy to focus and obsess on the ultra-thin bodies which are splashed throughout magazines, movies and tv today.
So, how do other people view this issue?
* The RaderPrograms.com site has an excellent page about this issue. Definitely a must read.
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