Eating disorders are often misunderstood, but earlier treatment improves outcomes. Let’s dispel some myths, learn how to recognize eating disorders and what to do if someone you love is struggling.
Eating disorder ‘communities’ online can be dangerous places for young and impressionable teens. And social media algorithms further spread harmful content.
People with eating disorders often struggle with staying in control. For many, the pandemic took away control. A health scholar shares her story of how that loss of control affected her bulimia.
New research has found several physical and mental health indicators that often appear before an eating disorder diagnosis.
Perfectionists are rarely satisfied with their performance or appearance and engage in harsh self-criticism when their efforts fall short. Perfectionists are also more likely to develop the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, according to new research.
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Perfectionists have a higher chance of developing bulimia nervosa. Rather than treating symptoms of binge eating and vomiting, therapists should address this underlying personality trait.
People with anorexia nervosa often see themselves as overweight when in fact they are not. This image depicts a young, thin woman who sees herself as larger than she is.
Tatyana Dzemileva/Shutterstock.com
Stuart Murray, University of California, San Francisco
Anorexia nervosa can be a deadly disease. A recent analysis of several studies showed that it may be even harder to treat than previously believed. But the news isn’t all bad.
In a diet-obsessed culture, eating disorders pose a severe threat. While the reasons for the disorders are varied, a consistent approach in treatment can help people stop dieting and feel safe.
Research shows that Instagram photos tagged with #eatingdisorderrecovery tend to feature thin, young, white, women. They also show stylized versions of food, reflecting a certain class status and engagement with “foodie” cultures.
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Instagram can offer a supportive online community to people recovering from eating disorders. It can also reinforce stereotypes of eating disordered bodies.
New research shows that even previously obstructive parents can be coached into providing vital support for their children with eating disorders.
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A new psychological intervention can help any parents - even those crippled by fear and self-blame - to become powerful recovery coaches to children with eating disorders.
The new Netflix film To the Bone missed some opportunities to dispel myths about eating disorders.
Screenshot, Youtube
To the Bone has attracted comment from mental health professionals and advocates. Critics have concerns it could cause or worsen eating disorder symptoms.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has asked the Medicare review taskforce to consider increasing the number of subsidised mental health sessions for those with eating disorders. Why is that necessary?
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Mark Butler told Q&A that eating disorders “are the mental illness type which has the highest mortality rate”. We check the research.
Valeria Lukyanova: a ‘thinspiration’ pin up.
Youtube
Nic Crowe, Brunel University London and Mike Watts, Brunel University London
Decoration and modification of the body have become a contemporary form of fashion. Aesthetic sensibilities once considered quite deviant (and now ordinary) commonly articulate our sense of self through…
Eating disorders are more than fad diets gone wrong.
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Eating disorders are an increasing problem in children and adolescents. Recent Australian studies have indicated eating disorder behaviour has increased twofold in Australia in the last five years and…