The prevalence of eating disorders is 50 percent higher among Orthodox Jewish girls than in the general population. After being approached by the Jewish Orthodox Union with this problem, the Philadelphia-based Renfrew Center is starting a specialized treatment programs geared specifically for this group of patients .
"It took a lot of courage for the Orthodox Union to approach us," said Adrienne Ressler, Renfrew's training director. "We wanted to help families get past the shame of admitting the problem."
Treating Orthodox Jewish girls with eating disorders is complicated by factors including the community's kosher food rules and the complexity of a tight-knit culture.
"The control of food that is necessary in Judaism is very different than the control around someone with an eating disorder," said Dr. David Hahn, a psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders. "It may look the same, but it's not."
Posted By: Jane St. Clair