Eating disorders have long been a serious problem among people of all ages. However, this disease usually begins somewhere in the pre-teen stages of life, and although many adolescent boys suffer with this disorder, it usually affects and is much more severe in young girls.

People who do suffer from an eating disorder like to place blame on factors such as television and family life-styles. Although these situations do influence eating disorders, the basis for this disease lies within the person whom it is affecting.

Most girls and boys who suffer from an eating disorder usually are unhappy with themselves and their own performance in life. With girls, eating disorders may arise if they do not succeed in activities such as cheerleading or gymnastics, or if they do not seem to attract the attention of boys. Many girls believe that they cannot be beautiful unless they are thin, sometimes due to naturally thin girls that surround them both in real life and in fashion. For boys, causes may also result from sports that are weight orientated like wrestling.

There are two types of eating disorders called anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. The person who is anorexic will place herself on what she considers to be a “strict diet.” This diet usually involves cutting down calorie intake to an absurd level. The average person should consume around 1500 calories a day. An anorexic person will gauge her daily intake anywhere between a few hundred to less than 100 calories.

The bulimic person will usually try to restrict her diet. However, if she feels that she has eaten too much, she will induce vomiting or over-consume laxatives. Frequently, this sets off a pattern of binge eating and purging.

What Parents can do

There is a way of preventing your teenager being susceptible to these diseases. Allow your teenager to be on a diet, but monitor the diet plan with her.

If you notice that your teenager is concerned with his weight, do not brush it off as a phase. Instead, sit down with him and work out a dietary and exercise plan together. Help by purchasing healthy foods such as fruit, raw vegetables and salads. Show your teenager that it is OK to eat - it is just the types of foods he consumes that he must be careful about.

Understand that this is a mental disease, and grounding or punishing your teenager for having these disorders will only make things worse. If you believe your child may be suffering from an eating disorder seek professional help immediately. As the parent in situations like these, you may feel undermined or helpless, but understand that this disease greatly affects your teenager’s health and must be dealt with as soon as possible.



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The vicious eating disorder known to all as anorexia is one of the most deadly out there. More common in females than males, it's estimated that 1% of all teenage girls have this disorder, and that out of that 1%, up to 10% may die from it.
The individual with this disorder believes they are obese or overweight and have a very poor self-image of themself. In an attempt to quickly lose weight by whatever means necessary, people with anorexia have been known to starve themselves, take laxatives in order to expell food from the body, and it many cases extreme amounts of exercise. Any of these three are
enough to take a terrible toll on the body.

Don't confuse anorexia with bulimia. Anorexia is when a person refuses to eat (or eats very little). Bulimia is when a person consumes large amounts of food (binging) and then force themself to vomit in back up (purging). Both stem from an incredibly poor image of self and the person thinking or feeling extremely overweight, but they are very different diseases.

People with an eating disorder eat in such a manner that compromises their physical health. The manner of eating may vary in ways: it may be excessive or very limited, or eating all the wrong foods. Among the known eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating rise as the most adamant cases particularly in western countries. Research sums up that over a span of one lifetime there are at least 50, 000 people who will die because of eating disorders.

Eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of age, either. While eating disorders seem to be more common in young females, the fact is eating disorders can affect those in their elderly years, as well. More treatment centers are beginning to see women in the fifties and beyond and the unfortunate issue with eating disorders in the elderly is they become more deadly. Ten years ago a study done by the University of British Columbia concluded that 78 percent of deaths related to anorexia nervosa were that of older people. These eating orders also do not discriminate against race, either.

Does thinking about food so much ultimately turn into a binge eating session for you? Does this sound like you?

You are sitting at home and you can't stop thinking about food. You get up look in the pantry, close the door, and look in the refrigerator. You don't know what you are looking for, but you feel obsessed with food, like you need to eat it because you are at home. You try not to eat it, because you know what will happen. It's the same cycle as always: A little bite of something will turn into a binge eating session.

This happens to many people. Harmless snacking initially turns into a massive binge eating moment and they feel like they just cannot stop. It's true that most of the time people do turn to food for comfort and because of some kind of emotional issue that happened to them in the past, but what about the people that can't relate to that? The people who really can't trace their binge eating to anything in their past? These kinds of people just know that they really enjoy food and feel like they can't stop eating, which always turns into a binge for them.

So when you want to learn how to stop binge eating and curb any cravings, what do you do?

Here are some tips that used to help me stay away from the pantry and focus on things other than food and binge eating:

1. Chew gum.
Many times we are bored and eating sounds like just the thing to do to pass time. Instead of leading to a potential binge with a trigger food, try chewing gum. The constant chewing of gum will trick your mind and you won't find that you are drifting off to snacking. You will find satisfaction with picking a gum that has a long-lasting flavor.

2. Do something.
Working from home I find myself in the kitchen just because it's convenient. It's the same thing with people who work at an office. The community candy bowl or the kitchen seem to just be convenient, and before you know it, you've consumed food that you weren't even hungry for. Instead of falling victim to convenience, why not remove yourself from the situation. If you are at home and the kitchen keeps calling your name, leave the house. Making the kitchen invisible to you will really help you to not snack as much and will definitely curb future binges.

3. Find motivation.
What motivates you to stay on track? Is there a blog that you visit regularly or a website? Do you have a friend that will keep you on track? Think about your motivation towards not binging and do it. Not only will you become motivated to not binge and snack, but it (hopefully) won't even be on your mind anymore.

4. Find the alternative.
This tip really worked well for me. If you start to crave a food, don't deprive yourself of it necessarily; just find a healthier version of it. If you are craving tacos, make them at home because they will be healthier. If you can't get sweets out of your mind, instead of reaching for the bag of chocolate, try an apple or another sweet fruit. Many times you will feel satisfaction because you are still fulfilling your sweet tooth... just in another way.

The next time you can't seem to stop obsessing over food, or if a craving just seems like it is too much, try some of the tips. They worked for me when I was thinking how to stop binge eating for myself and hopefully you will have success with them as well.

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I'm sure many of you could tell me at least one story about your mother, father or siblings doing or saying something that contributed to your poor relationship with food and your body. My mother used to buy food that only she could eat. For example, she bought green, seedless grapes for herself only. My siblings and I could only eat the red, seed filled grapes from the backyard. My brother used to tell me I was fat and "why don't you exercise" (he was not asking a question). Although I don't blame my mother or my brother for my issues with food, their behaviors did contribute.

The truth is, our parents have a huge impact on how we see ourselves today: good or bad, fat or thin, pretty or ugly, etc. They certainly don't intend to hurt us but sometimes they do.

If you are a parent, I'm sure you try hard not to make the same mistakes as your parents and try to be aware of what you say and do. Below are some suggestions on how you can help your child have a healthy relationship with food and his/her body.

Teach your children to eat when they are hungry

Create a structure around food. Feed your children three meals a day with a couple of snacks. Try to keep meals at about the same time everyday and don't fight about how much your child has had to eat. Allow your child to have snacks in between well-balanced meals, but not so much that they aren't hungry at meal time. In addition, let them have desserts and other things they love. Children are much more in touch with their body's signals than many adults. Trust them to know what they need, to balance it with what they want, and to stop eating when they are full.

Avoid using food as reward, punishment, or to cover up feelings

Teach children that food is about fueling the body, rather than a way to feed emotions or as a reward for "being good." Most of my clients have these beliefs. When I talk to groups about food issues, I often playfully mimic a mother saying, "here, have a cookie, you'll feel better" to demonstrate this.

Don't Diet

One of the leading causes of eating disorders is dieting. The ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders) Newsletter, Summer 2001pointed out that "three of the most powerful risk factors for the development of an eating disorder are (1) a mother who diets, (2) a sister who diets, and (3) friends who diet. In addition, girls and women who diet severely [restricting food to excess] are eighteen times more likely to develop an eating disorder than non-dieters."

Discourage children from talking about other people's weight

Teach your children to see beyond how a person looks. Teach them to focus on a person's talents, abilities, hopes, values and goals. The days of judging someone based on the color of their skin or by their religion is over (or, at least we think it is). Yet, fat discrimination persists.

Don't comment on your own weight in a negative way

Nothing teaches "hate your body" more than hearing your mother or father do it. Your children's image of themselves is greatly influenced by you, the parent.. If you think you are fat (even if you are not), and see it as a bad thing, your child may eventually see themselves this way too.

Never comment negatively about your child's (or anyone else's) weight

Some parents think they are being helpful by telling their child to lose weight or no one will like them. I understand the desire to do this... after all, in our society this seems to be true. However, doing so can not only lead your child to feel deep shame about themselves but can continue to send the message that there is something wrong with fat people.

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Food Addicts Recovery Anonymous is a free 12-step program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating and bulimia. Weekly meetings are held 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Hillside Covenant Church, 2060 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek. Call 925-683-0079 or visit http://www.foodaddicts.org.

Eden Medical Center

A preconception planning class titled "Starting Off Right" will be presented by Michael McGlynn, M.D. past chief of Eden's Department of OB/GYN 7-9 p.m. today. The free class is part of Eden's monthly pregnancy forums. At 20103 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. Register by calling 510-889-5078 or visit http:// www.edenmedcenter.org/events.

Stroke and osteoporosis screenings

Life Line Screening will offer stroke and osteoporosis screenings Wednesday. The screenings are fast, painless and affordable. Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm for $159. All five screenings are 60-90 minutes. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. Pre- registration is required. Call 888-754-1464 or visit http:// www.lifelinescreening.com

Yoga workshop

Lifestretch Yoga in Fremont host an "Introduction to Yoga Workshop" on Mondays throughout February starting today. Classes are from 10:15-11:15 a.m. All fitness levels are welcome. Cost is $40 for all classes. At 37353 Fremont Blvd. Call 510-796-YOGA or visit http://www.lifestretchyoga.com.

Hospice by the Bay

Gay Men's Grief Group continues through March 29, meeting from 10- 11:30 a.m. every Saturday (excluding Feb. 16.)

The eight week support group helps gay men cope with feelings of grief after the loss of a partner. Free for members, $160 nonmembers. Reservations required.

At 1902 Van Ness Ave., 2nd Floor, San Francisco. Call 415-487- 4313.

Elephant Pharm

Learn about the healthy nutrition and benefits of omega-3 supplements from Christopher Speed, from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Physician and nutrition specialist Melina Jampolis speaks about the seven steps to successful and permanent weight loss from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Samara Freeman, PhD speaks on how to understand your gut and the importance of probiotics from 3-4 p.m. Feb. 17.

All classes are free. At 1607 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Call 510- 549=9200 or visit http://www.elephantpharm.com.

-Stop by Elephant Pharm locations for a flu shot. Proceeds benefit Sutter Hospice Program. Preservative-free shots for pregnant women or nursing mothers are in limited supply for $30. All other shots are $25. Located in Berkeley: 1607 Shattuck Ave., 510-549- 9200. Walnut Creek: 1388 South California St., 925-658-5300.

1,000 MOMS Campaign

The group hosts its monthly meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8. Sponsored by the Cancer Prevention Coalition Bay Area office, the meeting aims to support and educate moms about vital health information. Free.

At the Centerville Presbyterian Church Dining Hall, 4360 Central Ave., Fremont. Call 510-589-3962.

Hats off America

The 10th annual Hats Off America Red T-shirt 10K Run/5K walk starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. Danville Mayor Candace Andersen will be the starter for the event. Entry fee is $35.

At 2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville. Call 925-855-1950 or visit http://www.hatsoffamerica.us.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

The program is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, weigh-ins or fees. The group meets 8:30 to 10 a.m. Sundays; 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Sponsored by the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Jewish Family and Children's Services of the East Bay. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. At the Summit Campus, Merritt Pavillion, Cafeteria Annex C, 350 Hawthorne, Oakland. Call 510-523-4361.

Free tai chi classes

Through the Fremont Adult School, instructor Sifu May Chen offers ongoing tai chi classes for adults of all skill levels.

Great Outdoor Tai Chi classes are from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. 510-790-6602.

Other classes at 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont:

-Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Routine No. 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

-Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan No. 42, 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays.

-Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan, 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays.

Call 510-793-6465.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

The weight-loss surgery support group "New beginnings" will be having meetings for people who have had or are considering weight- loss surgery. Pre-operative patients will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Post-operative patients will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Family and friends are welcome. Admission is free.

At 3100 Summit St., Suite 2600, Oakland. Call 510-869-8972.

-The Latina Breast Health Program hosts a free breast cancer support group for Spanish speaking women from 2 to 4 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month. Registration required.

At the Alta Bates Medical Center Summit Campus, Peralta Pavilion, Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center 430 30th St., Room 2810, Oakland. Call 510-219-3532.

The creative therapies and eating disorders.

Ed. by by Stephanie L. Brooke.

C.C. Thomas

2008

292 pages

$64.95

Hardcover

RC552

As a cross-cultural survey indicates, eating disorders do not only afflict Western teenage girls. Brooke (sociology and psychology, U. of Phoenix) introduces 16 case studies employing the creative arts as individual and group treatment options for anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and related self-injurious behavior linked to psychological, developmental, biological, and cultural factors. Contributors treat adults, adolescents, and children with body image disturbances, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies through modalities including art therapy, play therapy, music therapy, poetry, psychodrama, dance/movement therapy, the Sesame Approach blending movement and storytelling, and spirituality. The book includes definitions of terms, approach application tips, and examples of patient art.

Q I am a mother of a 10-year-old girl who is obsessed with weight loss. She is very thin for her age. She refuses to eat breakfast or dinner because she is afraid she will gain too much weight. I often find her in her bedroom looking in the mirror to see if her clothes are getting any smaller. I also find food hidden in her bedroom that I had given her to eat for dinner. Can you give me suggestions on how to end this obsession? Signed, "A Concerned Mom"

A Your concern for your daughter is clear and I'm glad you wrote. An eating disorder is an obsession with food and weight that harms a person's well being. Although we all worry about our weight sometimes, people with eating disorders go to extremes. People with anorexia are obsessed with being thin and do not want to eat. People with bulimia eat a lot of food at once and then throw up or use laxatives to remove the food from the body. Possible causes of eating disorders include feeling stressed out or upset about something in your life, or feeling the need to be "in control." If there are many stressors in someone's life, often what she eats is the only control she feels she has. Society and the media also put a lot of pressure on people to be thin, especially young, school-age girls.

Sit down with your daughter. Find out what's going on in her life. See if there is anything that's been bothering her. She may not open up to you right away, but just listen. Also, stay aware of the way your daughter looks. Is she so thin that she looks sick? Does her weight fluctuate a lot? Do you notice any of the warning signs of eating disorders, such as:

* Unnatural concern about body weight

* Obsession with calories, fat grams and food

* Use of medicines to keep from gaining weight

* Throwing up after meals

* Refusing to eat or lying about how much was eaten

* Fainting

* Over-exercising

* Not having periods

Realizing that your daughter may have a problem is a big step, and you should be commended for caring so much. Since eating disorders are a very complex and serious matter, it would be impossible to cover it fully in this column. What I'd like you to do is to seek professional help. Start with your family doctor, who can then recommend further help such as an eating disorder specialist or a psychologist. Good luck to you and your family.