Eating Disorders Affect Millions of Americans
NewBridge Urges Parents to Watch for Signs
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week from February 25 to March 3
Pompton Plains, NJ- February 16, 2007- Image-conscious America is a tough place to accept your own physique. Despite recent calls to change modeling regulations in favor of a healthier body mass index, pencil-thin models remain entrenched in the media as examples of the "perfect" body. As a result, people in the real world are often left feeling inadequate, particularly a most vulnerable group: teens.
This year, February 25 to March 3 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which leads into National Nutrition Month in March. NewBridge, a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, encourages people to watch for warning signs of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating:
- Weight fluctuations
- Dieting even if not overweight
- Distorted body image - feeling fat even if thin
- Preoccupied with food and calories
- Denying being hungry
- Exercising obsessively
- Weighing in frequently
- Feeling bloated or nauseous after eating
- Thinning hair
- Feeling cold
- Binge eating
- Reacting to stress by eating
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about eating
- Obsessively concerned about weight
- Using the bathroom frequently after meals
- Feeling out of control
- Mood swings
- Menstrual irregularities
- Swollen glands
Eating disorders are complex conditions that can be caused by many factors, ranging from depression to relationship problems to cultural pressures. For many people, teens in particular, societal influences such as media and peers-even parents, often dieting themselves-shape how they think, which can manifest itself into unhealthy self-image and eating disorders.
"I try to get my students to see how beautiful they are, both on the inside and the outside, but it's difficult for children to accept that, since they are constantly bombarded with messages about 'the perfect body' that is unattainable in any healthy or appropriate way," said Maggie Krakowiak, who works for NewBridge with the Teen Assistance Program at Dover Middle School, Dover, NJ.
Certain lifestyles can also lead to eating disorders. Many people tend to overeat-whether because of stress, boredom, holidays, or even just in haste to grab a bite on the go-but if not kept under control, this cycle can lead to obesity, or at the very least, a lack of energy and compromised immunity.
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating affect 10 million men, women and children each year. And unlike many other physical conditions, eating disorders can begin quite early in life. "Children as young as eight are already exhibiting signs of eating disorders," said Jane O'Neill, registered dietician for NewBridge.
O'Neill stresses how easy it is for a teen to hide an eating disorder. Between the lack of control over what middle- and high-school age students eat for lunch, and the increasing number of teens who are left to fend for themselves at breakfast or dinner, parents may be unaware of just how unhealthy their teens' diet has become. The latest trend comes in the form of caffeine drinks, which though popular among teens, substitute good nutrition and when consumed in excess, can have unhealthy side effects.
To help raise awareness of eating disorders and nutrition, NewBridge offers programs for schools and organizations on a host of nutritional subjects, including:
- Accepting your body image
- Preventing eating disorders
- Value of nutrition and exercise
- And more
Groups can be tailored to any group's ages and needs.
"Middle school-age children particularly benefit from these programs because their bodies are quickly changing at varying rates," said O'Neill. "And they will respond better to nutritional advice when they learn how good nutrition affects many of the things that matter to them-their skin, their hair, their growth and their health."
For more information on hosting a NewBridge nutritional program, call O'Neill at (973) 839-2521, ext. 565. If you know someone who may have an eating disorder and would benefit from help, call NewBridge toll-free at (888) 746-9333.
About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.