Though anorexia and bulimia are the most well-known eating disorders, the majority of sufferers fit into another category. As many as 60 percent of eating disorder patients are diagnosed as having an eating disorder “not otherwise specified” (EDNOS).

“This group is so vast, and the causes within it so diverse, that many in the field believe it creates more problems than it does solutions in terms of treating patients and understanding the syndromes. Patients lumped into this unspecified group can also have misperceptions about their condition, thinking it is not as serious as anorexia or bulimia.” [Source: MSNBC]

Physicians and psychiatrists are trying to solve the problem by revising the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is due to be published in 2013. Often called “the psychiatric bible”, the DSM is the tool used to diagnose most mental health issues.

Proposed revisions to eating disorder-related diagnoses include broadening the criteria for anorexia and bulimia, and separating out some more commonly-known conditions such as binge eating into their own categories.

Labels: dsm-iv, diagnosis, ednos

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An investigation into British-based pharmacies found that some were selling the powerful weight-loss product Alli online to people who were underage, and in some cases were suffering from eating disorders.

BBC’s Watchdog programme [sic] found [pharmacy company] Boots sold the drug to a schoolgirl online while both Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy sold Alli to a recovering anorexic over the web. When the drug was sold in branches of the chemists, patients’ height, weight and BMI were checked – and if underweight they were refused the tablets. [Source: Daily Mail]

But online, those wishing to buy the product could lie about their weight and BMI. Lloyds has since tightened its process. Alli is considered something close to a “miracle drug” by some, because of its ability to help people lose weight. Opponents, however, warn that the pill interferes with the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and could lead to deficiencies.

Labels: weight-control, internet

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British mannequin maker Rootstein has churned up the “thin” debate with announcement of his latest creations; including a male mannequin whose waist in 11 inches smaller than that of the average Briton.

“BEAT chief executive and eating disorder expert Susan Ringwood told Reuters that skinny male mannequins in shop windows can have just as unhealthy an influence on men as their female counterparts have on women.” [Source: Reuters]

Though they’ve been overlooked in the past, males with eating disorders are finally starting to get some much-needed attention. Official statistics about men with eating disorders indicate that about 1 percent of the population is affected by these disorders, as well as poor body image, and unhealthy levels of physical activity. Many experts believe the number is likely much higher.

Labels: media, fashion, men, influences

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Hailey is in fourth-grade. She’s happy, active… and worries about her weight. When asked, she admits she compares herself to her classmates, thinks she’s “a little chubby,” and needs to work out more.

“The 10-year-old girls is not alone, according to experts. A growing number of girls Hailey’s age, and even younger, worry about the way they look. ‘The bottom line is, it starts in the home and it starts at a very, very, very young age,’ said Sandee Nebel, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in eating disorders and body image.” [Source: WKMG-TV (Orlando, FL)]

Parents often don’t realize the message they’re sending to kids, and seemingly harmful words or actions can encourage low self-esteem and affect the way a child views others. Most parents know not to tease kids about their weight, appearance or eating habits.

But some may not realize that making negative comments about others is harmful, too. In addition, labeling foods as “good” or “bad” can also send the wrong message. Instead, parents should focus on healthy living, rather than size or weight.

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

The beginning of Krista Phelps’s story is a familiar one: a great high school athlete with a promising academic and athletic future, preparing for her second state track meet. But before the story could get really good, it took a very bad turn.

Phelps, a Kingsely-Pierson (IA) sophomore who was just 16, died on Sunday … Phelps died from complications of anorexia …

The sudden death of a high school student sends a shock wave through a community. Grief counselors were brought in to help students and faculty cope. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

A longtime coach once told me about athletes with eating disorders: "John, anyone who’s coached girls' sports long enough knows of at least one." [Source: Des Moines (IA) Register]

As the final quote in the excerpt above indicates, several experts have noted an association between womens' athletics and eating disorders. Male athletes in some sports are also at increased risk.

Labels: anorexia, health, athletes, art, death

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On Aug. 13 and 14, the 2nd Annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference will take place in Denver, Colorado. Clinical advancements in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia and EDNOS will be the focus.

“’In the eating disorders community, clinical collaboration leads to treatment innovations, best practice development and ultimately, better outcomes for our patients,’ said Kenneth Weiner, MD, CEDS, founding partner and medical director of Eating Recovery Center.” [Source: Online PR News]

Keynote sessions and workshops will cover such topics as: medical complications of anorexia and bulimia; new models of family therapy; and, understanding the adolescent brain when treating eating disorders. More information is available by emailing info@eatingrecoverycenter.com.

Labels: education, conference

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Anorexia’s devastating effects on the body are well-known and documented. Now, scientists have discovered that it affects the brain as well.

“A study published online this month in the International Journal of Eating Disorders compared changes in brain volume among 32 adult women with anorexia nervosa and a control group made up of 21 healthy women… At the beginning of the study, the women with anorexia had less gray matter volume than the healthy controls.” Source: LA Times]

The study used MRI scans to measure gray matter as the women with anorexia were treated and began gaining weight. Most saw an increase in gray matter volume as they gained weight, though the volume never reached levels considered normal for healthy adults.

Labels: anorexia, brain chemistry

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