Dunn, D. (1992, August 3). When Thinness becomes Illness. Business Week, pp. 74-75.

According to the article, "about 11 million women and 1 million men in the U.S. suffer from one of two conditions that physicians classify as eating disorders." Many teens (mostly women) struggle with anorexia and bulimia, "influenced by the slender, good-looking people they see in ads, films, and TV programs." In fact, "a 1990 study of seniors in 20 high schools in 18 states found that 11% fit one of these classifications."

THE PROBLEM PROFILE

A person with an eating disorder may:

• Make frequent excuses to skip meals or eat alone.
• Be highly self-critical and strive for perfection.
• Discuss food, weight, and body shape continually.
• Listen to other’s problems, but seldom share his or her own.
• Become aloof, experience rapid mood shifts.

DANGER SIGNS

The following signals are offered from the National Anorexic Aid Society:

• Significant or extreme weight loss (15% or more).
• Ritualistic eating habits, such as cutting food into tiny pieces and chewing each 20 times or so.
• Large food purchases disappear suddenly.
• Unusual swelling around the jaw.
• Numerous laxative or diuretic wrappers in the trash.
• Regular visits to the bathroom after each meal.

"Many anorexics and bulimics, like drug and alcohol addicts, are so secretive that they manage to avoid treatment until their health reaches a critical stage." Given this information, z’parents should be alert to early signs of trouble, says Dr. Joan Barber, director of the George Washington University Medical Center eating disorders program." Although controlling one’s food intake seems harmless in the beginning stages, when thinness becomes illness, this behavior can become so dangerous that if it continues, it can cause not only serious problems in one’s body, such as brittle bones, weakened muscles including the heart, and other organ damage, it may eventually lead to death.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How many teens that you know could be struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia?
2. How often have you questioned, for just a fleeting second, one of your friends eating patterns or behaviors, and then just left it alone because you didn’t want to get involved or make waves?
3. Do you know the signs of eating disorders?
4. Do you know where to get help or obtain further information?

IMPLICATION

This topic is vitally important; chances are that you know someone who struggles with one of these problems. It is important to know the warning signs and know how to get help for any person who needs care. It is a serious disorder that requires close medical supervision and individual or group therapy with others who understand the illness and can support the person in need of help. The best prevention is to change our view of beauty and to not have unrealistic expectations of thinness or perfection.

Tamara Lange cCYS