Eating
Disorders
Q: My daughter has recently
started severely restricting her intake and increased her exercise to
at least two hours a day. What is she thinking?
A: She
is thinking decreased intake plus increased exercise results in greater
weight loss. What she doesn't understand is regular exercise increases
metabolic rate, severely restricting intake decreases metabolic rate.
The combination of these two efforts is totally self-defeating.
It
sounds as though your daughter may be on the destruction path of disordered
eating and body image. I would encourage you to visit with your daughter
about meeting with a dietitian and/or counselor experienced with eating
disorders to determine what her desires/intentions are. Behavioral, emotional,
physical and nutritional manifestations need to be determined.
It
is far easier to deal with early stages of disordered eating/body image
than full blown eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Don't
wait until a monster has been created before you decide to address it!
Q: What is the most important
thing my husband and I should do as the parents of an anorexic daughter?
A: Dealing
with a child with anorexia in your home has got to be one of the greatest
trials and tribulations of parenting. This condition takes months and
years to completely recover from.
- Educate
yourselves regarding the symptoms, expected behaviors, process of recovery,
etc. Be open and willing to understand things you can do differently
to promote recovery.
- Never
nag, force intake, bribe, or comment on what your daughter is or is
not eating. This is very, very difficult for parents, but
it is absolutely necessary. Your daughter must understand who owns this
problem and she is the only one who can fix it.
- Remember
progress comes in very small steps. Some of these steps are hardly visible.
Taking one bite of something may seem like nothing to you, but it is
a huge step for your daughter.
- Pray -
Pray - Pray and Pray some more!
diabetes • PCOS • weight
control • healthy
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eating
disorders • soy • osteoporosis • sports
nutrition
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oil capsules • probiotics • splenda • celiac disease
children & weight
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is to help make informed decisions about
your health. It is not a substitute for the advice or treatment given
by your doctor. Please consult a registered dietitian or your doctor if
you have any questions about the information given on this page.
