Eating Disorder Research

Eating disorders can be complex and hence should be treated as soon as possible by a health professional. However, if the sufferer resists seeking for professional treatment, some self help measures can be first taken. Although these measures are not good enough for more severe cases of eating disorders, they can be helpful in contorlling the condition. Sometimes, eating disorder sufferers need more time to go to terms that they really need to seek professional help. In which case, the self measures will come in handy. In the event that the eating disorders have developed to a more critical stage, then immediate steps must be taken for medical help for the sufferer. For anorexia patients, they should recognise that they are in danger of a serious eating disorders. Hence, they should avoid dieting as much as possible. Ensure eating balanced and nutritious meals. Also, they should avoid excessive exercising. A regular exercise routine can be established, but limited to roughly three to five times per week. Each session should last for about thirty minutes. Rigorous exercise or extensive exercise sessions should be avoided entirely. Anorexia sufferers should also seek out the support of friends and family. Often, they feel ashamed about their bodies and strive to keep their eating disorders a secret. Sharing with some one can definitely help. For bullimic patients, it is recommended that they avoid letting their feelings control how they treat their eating patterns. Learn to accept that the feelings of frustration is natural but find ways to deal with them. The patient should seek to eat with trusted family members or friends, and avoid any situation that they feel might trigger an emotional binge and purge episode. Bulimic sufferers should also keep a food diary. This can help the patient identify emotional triggers that may lead them to a binge and purge session. It is a highly recommended step towards learning to deal with upset feelings in a healthy manner. Other tips for dealing with an eating disorder include getting enough rest and to deal with the emotions of depression, anger and other powerful states. It is also best that the sufferer keep himself mentally occupied. With too much free time, there can be a relapse of emotional eating. Dieting should be avoided but rather the basics of healthy eating should be learnt.

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.