An Unhealthy Obsession: Why Eating Disorders Exist

Recently, while I was perusing the "fake news" (not Jon Stewart, but fark.com), I came across an article entitled "25 Biggest Weight-Loss Mistakes" (link: http://www.ediets.com/news/article.cfm/cmi_1958515/code_30171). Since my professional interests encompass in eating disorders, I decided to read what I would otherwise consider an innane article. Well, I agree with most of the article, including commons mistakes such as:

"3. Believing that you will eat cabbage soup -- or any other low-cal, monotonous fare everyday for the rest of your life...

7. Consuming processed foods more often than fresh foods...

18. Thinking pills, powders or potions are more powerful than they really are for achieving weight loss..."

I think most scientists and clinicians agree that one will not lose weight, or be healthy, following any of these methods (even diet pills prescribed to obese patients allow for a 5-10% overall weight-loss, which is not much of a difference considering--reference:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss-drugs/WT00013)

However, some of the assertions of this article clearly show how little information media outlets have about weight issues, even with a surge in attention towards eating disorders. In particular, two of the points made angered me severely. I will deal with each one separately.

The first assertion the author made that I noticed was horribly incorrect is:  "15. Thinking you are genetically destined to be fat. The only fat gene
is the one left hanging in your closet after you lose your weight! You
may be predisposed to a condition, but HOW you live determines how
great its effect on your life will be!"

I don't think inserting "you may be predisposed to a condition" adequately explains how much genetics play a role in obesity development. For instance, researchers know that certain genes in mice may contribute to obesity, including genes that disregulate leptin and cause deformed melanin receptors. Most humans do not have such straightforward genetic missteps as those found in obese mice, but some obese humans have these mutations. (http://www.hhmi.org/genesweshare/d130.html). Some also think gastric bypass works in part due to decreased levels of ghrelin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghrelin). Thus, environment does not play alone in causing obesity (although neither does genetics). Most likely, different polymorphisms over several loci decrease and increase risk, however, in most cases, obesity can be prevented. But if one has already become obese, or is on the verge, prevention is out of the question. So in reality, this point is not only innacurate but is moot.

 The second thing the author writes that bothers me is:  "11. Going back for seconds at meals. Does the word "glutton" sound like
something you want to describe you?"

Ummmm, when did it become ok to use the word "glutton" to describe people who don't understand portion control or are still hungry?! No, I do not think that "seconds" is generally a good idea for losing weight, but no wonder young girls become anorexic and bulimic! With all the other media pressures, mostly of photos of impossibly thin women, now someone must imply that girls who are probably perfectly healthy (the vast majority who become eating disordered are at or just above a healthy weight. the disorder usually starts out as a diet) are gluttons for being full (reference: http://www.anred.com/stats.html)? What the media, and most parents, have not learned is that young girls have extremely impressionable minds. One must be careful what she says to them. Insulting them instead of teaching them to be happy with their bodies only increases the risk of an eating disorder, especially in the thin culture of Western society today.  I would expect a little more tact, and a more refined touch, from media sources, no matter how small (except tabloids--there's no hope there).

So here's my point: please do not believe everything you read. Especially concerning dieting. A wealth of information exists, but for every scientifically-founded piece of data, 3 yahoos suggest they know what's best. I'm just saying, do your research. And, as to eating disorders, learn all you can. Scientists have written heaps of articles particularly on the topic of acquiring eating disorders, but common sense says if you don't support a person in need (such as through the anguish of puberty), they will falter. Young girls need all the support they can get.

 For more eating disorders information:

http://www.edap.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=337

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/eatingdisorders.cfm

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