A Cultural Obsession
By Stacy Gardner, M.A., L.P.C.C.

One only needs to listen to the news or look around to recognize that in the United States, obesity rates for children and adults have been steadily rising since the 1980s. This is one end of the spectrum of our culture's obsession with food. The other end of the spectrum is where we find eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, restriction of food, and refusal to maintain a body weight that is within 20% of that person's normal range.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by eating binges during which the person consumes amounts of food that are well above what would be considered typical in one sitting. Coupled with this behavior are compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise. The individual who is bulimic often is of average or even above average weight. Binge eating disorder is another possible diagnosis on the horizon. Its name is self-explanatory – the binge eating without the compensatory behaviors. Individuals in this category would be more likely to have higher rates of obesity.

For many of us, it is the image of a young woman that pops into our minds when we think of eating disorders. While it is estimated that as many as ten million females suffer from eating disorders, approximately one million males fit the criteria for an eating disorder as well. However, there are some other populations whom we may not think to include in discussing eating disorders. Increasing numbers of women in menopause have begun to seek treatment for this issue. Also on the rise are the numbers of children and adolescents being diagnosed with eating disorders- a fact parents need to be very aware of.

As a culture, we are constantly bombarded with images of what "beautiful" looks like. It is important that we be aware of what a powerful influence television, movies, and magazines can be in shaping our ideas about what constitutes attractiveness. The media can be very influential in the formation of our own body images as well. This can be overwhelming for adults, not to mention for children and adolescents.

In addition, the messages we get from the people around us may also shape the way we see our own bodies. For children and adolescents, these attitudes may be fostered by coaches, parents, and other family members. Athletes such as gymnasts, wrestlers, and runners can sometimes feel a great deal of pressure to stay at or below a certain body weight. Traumas such as rape, abuse, or the death of a loved one are sometimes associated with eating disorders as well.

The best proactive weapons against eating disorders are a healthy body image and the ability to take care of one's own emotions. The second-best weapon is early intervention. If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering with an eating disorder, seek a licensed mental health professional who specializes in treating eating disorders.

Stacy Gardner is a licensed professional clinical counselor at North Canton Medical Foundation. She takes special interest in adoption, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, separation and divorce, and sexual abuse. To schedule an appointment, please call 330-433-1354.