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Eating Disorders: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
The Case Against Dieting
For many people, dieting is or has been a part of life for most of their lives. This isn’t really all that surprising. There is a multimillion-dollar diet industry that floods the media with advertisements for the latest way to lose weight and the foods to do it with. A study published in 1993 examined the number of diet product commercials and the total number of diet food commercials over the course of nineteen years (1973-1991) and found that they increased nearly linearly. This is in addition to obesity prevention campaigns and the overwhelming message of the media in promoting the thin ideal.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms and warning signs for anorexia nervosa.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders
An overview of dialectical behavior therapy and its application in the treatment of eating disorders.
What Not To Say To Someone With Anorexia or Bulimia
If you have a loved one struggling with or in recovery from an eating disorder, you want to be supportive. However, even with the best of intentions, there are some things that simply should not be said. This is that list. Learn what can be unhelpful and how to can actually be harmful to recovery.
Media Influence on Disordered Eating
An overview of how media depictions of the thin ideal affect body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviors.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
A listing of symptoms commonly experienced with eating disorders.
Stopping the Binge-Purge Cycle
The binge-purge cycle is a predictable pattern of thoughts, emotions and behaviors most frequently associated with bulimia. Learn how to get off the roller coaster of binge eating and purging.
10 Things to Stop Doing if You Have an Eating Disorder
10 things you may be doing (but shouldn't be) if you have an eating disorder.
Treatment of Eating Disorders
An overview of both outpatient and inpatient treatment of eating disorders.
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms and warning signs for bulimia nervosa.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An overview of the types of eating disorders and their characteristic symptoms.
Dianosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis depends on the honesty of the person who may have an eating disorder. However, with accurate information, the diagnostic process is straightforward.
The Road to Recovery
The path to full recovery from an eating disorder can be a difficult and long journey. It is important for everyone involved to have realistic expectations.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders
An overview of cognitive-behavioral therapy and its use in the treatment of eating disorders.
10 Ways to Improve Your Body Image
A list of suggested ways to improve your body image and counter negative body image.
The Causes of Eating Disorders
The causes of eating disorders are complex and varied. They include social and cultural expectations, biological and familial factors, media influence and specific environmental stressors.
Dietitians
Deciding to seek help from a dietician can seem scary and overwhelming. Learn more about who dietitians are and the role they will play in your recovery from an eating disorder.
Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa
A summary of DSM-IV-TR criteria for Anorexia Nervosa
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are an integral part of the treatment team for eating disorders. Learn more about these professionals and how they can help you in recovery.
Interpersonal Therapy for Eating Disorders
Learn more about interpersonal therapy and how it works to help treat eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Medical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a disease of self-starvation. The longer a person struggles with anorexia, the more likely he/she is to experience medical complications and potential death. Learn more about how anorexia affects the body.
The Binge-Purge Cycle
Do you feel like you are on a never-ending roller coaster of binge eating and purging? Understanding the binge-purge cycle can be a first step in learning how to get off of it.
10 Things to Stop Doing if Your Adolescent Has an Eating Disorder
10 things you may be doing but shouldn't if you want to help support your adolescent in their recovery.
Orthorexia Nervosa
While focusing some attention on eating healthy foods can be a good thing, orthorexia nervosa is a type of disordered eating in which someone is obsessed with eating in a particular way.
The Influence of Abuse & Trauma on Disordered Eating
Research shows that many people suffering from an eating disorder have also experienced abuse and/or trauma in their past.
10 Ways to Support Your Adolescent With an Eating Disorder
Does your son or daughter have an eating disorder? Learn more about how to help support them along the recovery process.
Diagnostic Criteria for Bulimia Nervosa
A summary of DSM-IV-TR criteria for bulimia nervosa.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder & Eating Disorders
Many people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia also struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Learn more about how these disorders are related, and how having both affects treatment.
Six Steps to Feel Great About Yourself This Summer
Summer can be a difficult time of year for people with body-image issues and eating disorders. Consider these tips to help you enjoy summer and wear summer clothing while feeling great about yourself.
Family Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (The Maudsley Method)
An overview of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa, also known as the Maudsley method.
A Day in the Life of an Anorexic
A fictional account of the day to day experience of someone with anorexia nervosa.
The SCOFF Questionnaire
The SCOFF Questionnaire is a simple and accurate screening tool for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Help Your Teenager Beat An Eating Disorder
Review of Help Your Teenager Beat An Eating Disorder by James Lock, MD, PhD & Daniel LeGrange, PhD.
Levels of Care for Eating Disorder Treatment
Navigating which level of care is right for you (or your loved one) can be a daunting task. Learn more about each level of care and what services each can provide.
Medical Complications of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a disease in which a person overeats (binges) and repeatedly purges to compensate for the binge. As such, medical complications are common and sometimes deadly. Learn more about the complications people with bulimia are at risk for developing.
What is the difference between binge eating and emotional overeating?
The terms binge eating and emotional overeating are sometimes used interchangeably but actually refer to two distinct issues that may be part of an eating disorder.
What Parents Need to Know About Thinspos
While the internet has changed many things about our society for the good - providing quick and easy
Generalized Anxiety Disorder & Eating Disorders
Generalized anxiety disorder is an extreme form of anxiety that many people with eating disorders suffer from. Learn more about this disorder and how it affects treatment.
How Common are Eating Disorders?
Statistics on the prevalence of eating disorders.
Borderline Personality Disorder & Eating Disorders
Borderline personality disorder is an illness characterized by instability and mood swings. It is commonly seen in sufferers of bulimia nervosa. Learn more about how these two issues are related.
Symptoms & Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
Physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms and warning signs for binge eating disorder.
Taking Care of Yourself
Recovery from an eating disorder requires that you learn how to take care of yourself - physically, spiritually and relationally. Learn more about what this means and how you can begin taking care of yourself.
Inpatient Hospitalization
Eating disorders are dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. Inpatient hospitalization may be necessary when someone is experiencing medical complications or is unable to make progress in recovery on an outpatient basis. Learn more about the structure and support inpatient care provides.
What Not To Say To Someone With Binge Eating Disorder
If you know someone who is struggling with binge eating disorder (BED), then you likely want to be supportive of them. However, even the most well-meaning people can say things that can be hurtful, shame-inducing, and possibly triggering. Keep in mind this list of suggestions as you think of things you shouldn’t say to someone with BED.
Athletes and Eating Disorders
Male and female athletes can be at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. This is thought to be because of increased pressure and vulnerable personality traits.
A Day in the Life of a Bulimic
A fictional account of the day-to-day experience of someone suffering from bulimia nervosa.
The Gifts of Imperfection
Review of The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown - a book about living a joyful, congruent, wholehearted life and letting go of what is getting in the way.
Night Eating Syndrome
Do you experience insomnia and compulsive eating at night? If so, you may have night eating syndrome. Learn more about this type of disordered eating.
Therapists
Finding the right therapist to help you recover from an eating disorder can seem confusing and overwhelming. Learn more about the type of education and credentials therapists have and what it means.
Six Fun Things To Do With Your Scale (Besides Weigh Yourself)
If your scale is a source of stress and anxiety, consider these six ways to get rid of it (and have a little fun in the process).
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Sometimes outpatient treatment is simply not enough. At the same time, inpatient hospitalization may not be needed. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide a higher level of care while maintaining flexibility.
Outpatient Treatment
Fortunately, most eating disorders are able to be treated on an outpatient basis. Learn more about what this entails and who it is appropriate for.
The Principles of Health at Every Size
Health at Every Size (HAES) is a movement away from the current weight loss focused paradigm and towards a focus on encouraging and increasing healthy behaviors. Learn more about this research-supported way of life.
How to Talk to a Friend
How to talk to a friend who you believe may be struggling with an eating disorder.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is an American singer/songwriter and actress who has been open and honest about her struggles with anorexia, bulimia and related issues.
Parenting an Athlete
Elite athletes are at a higher risk for developing eating disorders. It is important for parents to be educated about this risk and stay involved.
Life Without Ed
Learn more about the book Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer and Thom Rutledge.
Depression & Eating Disorders
Depression and eating disorders often go hand in hand. Learn more about how these two disorders are related and how they are treated together.
Where Can I Find Eating Disorder Treatment?
Deciding to seek treatment for an eating disorder is a huge step and the process of finding the right therapist and/or treatment center for you can seem overwhelming. Here are resources to help.
Six Steps for Successful Grocery Shopping
Steps for a calm and successful grocery shopping experience when you are in treatment and/or recovery from an eating disorder
Eating Disorder Co-Occurring Diagnoses
The majority of people with an eating disorder also struggle with symptoms of other mental illnesses as well. Learn more about these diagnoses and how they affect treatment and recovery.
Myth or Reality? What's the Truth About Eating Disorders?
Misconceptions and myths about eating disorders are incredibly prevalent. Learn more about some of the top myths about eating disorders.
Cutting & Self-Harm
Self-harm and self-mutilation is common among people who also suffer from an eating disorder. Learn more about this problem, how common it is, and what causes it.
Wynonna Judd
Wynonna Judd is an American singer song-writer who has had a successful career, both as part of the singing duo The Judds and as a solo artist. She has candidly discussed her struggles with food and weight as well as her difficult family relationships.
Recommended Reading for Maudsley
Read about Family-Based Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and learn more about some of the top books on this subject.
Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified
A summary of DSM-IV-TR criteria for Eating Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, including criteria for Binge Eating Disorder.
Do Eating Disorders Affect Older Women?
One myth about eating disorders is that they only affect adolescents and young adults. Learn more about how they affect women over the age of 50.
Orthorexia
a term used to describe someone who is obsessed with healthy eating
Deciding to move to a Higher Level of Care
Questions to ask yourself as you consider a higher level of care for you or a loved one in the treatment of eating disorders.
Become a Critical Viewer of the Media
The promotion of the 'thin' ideal and idea that you can achieve perfection by today's media affects all of us. Become a critical viewer of the media and fight these messages.
PTSD & Eating Disorders
Many people who suffer from an eating disorder have also experienced abuse and/or trauma, making them at risk for suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn more about how these two issues are related.
Amenorrhea
the loss of a menstrual period in post-pubescent females; often seen as a symptom of anorexia nervosa
The Treatment Team
Most treatment for eating disorders is done by a team of professionals. Learn about each person and how they can help you achieve recovery.
Residential Treatment Centers
Unfortunately, not all eating disorders can be treated on an outpatient basis. Learn more about what a long-term treatment option like residential care could provide you, or your loved one.
Eating With Your Anorexic
Review of Laura Collins' book Eating With Your Anorexic - a personal account of her family's journey to help her daughter recover through Family-Based Treatment.
Biological & Familial Influence on Disordered Eating
Eating disorders are known to be familial in nature. Is this a function of biology or shared environment?
Muscle Dysmorphia
Sometimes referred to as 'reverse anorexia' or 'bigorexia', muscle dysmorphia occurs when a person is obsessed with building musculature at the expense of relationships and other areas of his/her life.
I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't)
Review of Brené Brown's I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't): Telling The Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy & Power - a book about shame & shame-resilience.
Anorexia Nervosa
a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by severe weight loss and self-starvation
Diabulimia
Learn more about this form of disordered eating that occurs when diabetic patients skip insulin doses in order to lose weight.
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works
A review of Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD & Elyse Resch, MS, RD, FADA.
Brave Girl Eating: A Family's Struggle with Anorexia
Review of Brave Girl Eating by Harriet Brown - a personal account of her family's journey to help her daughter recover through Family-Based Treatment.
A Day in the Life of a Binge Eater
A fictional account of the day-to-day experience of someone suffering from binge eating disorder.
Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls
Review of Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls by Mary Pipher, Ph.D. - a book about the challenges adolescent girls face in American culture.
Surviving (and Thriving) Throughout the Holiday Season
Holiday parties and gatherings can be stressful on a number of levels, especially for those with eating disorders and eating issues. Learn how to stay in the moment and enjoy your celebrations.
Guidelines for Reader Submissions
All submissions will be edited prior to publication. If you are interested in seeing your story published, please keep the following guidelines in mind as you write.
Can Males Develop Eating Disorders?
Contrary to popular belief, men can develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Learn more about this issue.
10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays (That Don't Involve Food)
For many people, events and celebrations with a focus on food can be stressful and anxiety provoking. Consider including some of these ideas (that don't involve food) in your holiday celebrations this year.
Five Resolutions for Eating Disorder Recovery
Make some realistic and achievable resolutions for your recovery this year.
DBT
an acronym commonly used for Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Shapesville
Review of the children's book, Shapesville by Andy Mills & Becky Osborn - a book that encourages positive body image in young boys and girls.
Holiday Gift Guide
Wanting to choose a gift for a loved one who is recovering from an eating disorder? Here are a few ideas that help support recovery and show how much you care.

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