Eating Disorder In Ballerinas
I was most annoyed when my daugther told me that her ballet teacher said that she needed to be skinny and have long legs to dance ballet. I don’t want to construe things badly or imagine the worst but I don’t want my little 6 year old daugther to grow up wanting to be anything skinnier or getting the wrong ideas. She is already thin as it is, mainly due to genetic, as she can eat a lot at mealtimes.
After having started this site on eating disorders, I am far convinced than ever that the influence of family, friends and all those arround can play an important role in their prevention. So I am particularly concerned about what is said around her and her younger sister.
It is true that athletes, including ballerinas and gymnasts, are at higher risks of developing eating disorders because their sporting professions demand that they look good. Being slim is vital to putting up a good performance. But problems arise when they take it too far and start to survive on little food, in their drive to be skinny.
It is a fine balance - trying to teach my kids that too little is no good, just as too much food is not good either. What I feel grateful is that as a researcher into dieting topics, I know enough about helping them develop good eating habits. I also try to be a good role model to them. I can eat many a hearty meal but at times, I am happy to munch on a slice of veggie sandwich for lunch. What is key to eating is moderation (neither too much nor too little) and listening to what your body tells you.
Tags: Eating Disorders