My passion for this topic comes from my personal struggle with an eating disorder from 1976-1984. Many people who knew me back then say they had no idea this was going on at all! Trust me though, it is pure hell on earth. My point in telling you this is that many parents (and doctors) assume that if a child is within a normal weight range then there must not be a problem. Well, this is absolutely false. Not all eating disorders have a significant impact on weight. A child who has gotten into the habit of regularly regurgitating meals (Bulimia Nervosa) will likely remain the same weight or even gain some. Many young girls that I see in my practice tell me that the vomiting started out as way to un-do the potential weight gain of an especially large meal or a binge. Unfortunately this can be the beginning of very serious or even life threatening eating disorder. Although outwardly things appear ok, on the inside things are definitely not ok. A few of the very serious medical problems that may be going on on the inside are, tooth erosion, cavities, and gum problems, fluid loss with low potassium levels caused by excessive vomiting or laxative use (which can lead to extreme weakness, near paralysis, or lethal heart rhythms) and Irregular menstrual periods. All of these conditions require swift medical treatment.As a Life and Recovery Coach my job is catching the budding eating disorder before these life threatening situations arise. Therefore, I have developed a very successful program that in most cases requires only 3-4 one hour sessions, but builds the child's all-important SELF-IMAGE! Eating disorders do NOT occur in children who have a positive & strong concept of themselves. Eating disorders do NOT occur in children who have high self-confidence or a true love-of-self. We live in a culture that sets young girls up for body dissatisfaction. Our society promotes an unattainable physical ideal. The media will continue sending the message to our daughters that a perfect body is what they should be striving for. Our sons are getting a message here as well; that this is what their girl-friends should look like! But, the girl with the positive & strong self-concept will not be effected by these messages because she knows that she is beautiful and loved and important exactly as she is. She chooses to nourish and care for her body, mind and spirit as oppose to injuring it. Contact Nancy at The Howland Way for more information or to schedule an appointment.
