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Disordered Eating and the Dieting Game
The "Thin" Line Teens Cross When Abusing Diet and Exercise
By Laura Paul
Zimmerman avoids eating sugar and eats when she is hungry. Exercise for her is more for fun than for weight management. She swims, works out at the gym and practices cheerleading routines. With these two teens having such a healthy outlook on diet and exercise, it's hard to imagine how so much of pop culture has developed such an unhealthy outlook.
Waterhouse believes the dangerous dieting game became part of pop culture starting in the 1960's. She says women thought it would be different to get away from the maternal bodies of their mothers and go instead for an almost boyish figure as a way to enter the man's world.
"What started as a trend really became a way of life that has hindered women instead of helping them to find their place in the world," she says. "We spend so much time obsessing about our weight and bodies and being preoccupied with food that it paralyzes us from really going after our dreams."
So how do you help your teen break free from the food obsession and live a healthy life of moderation like Zimmerman and Malanio?
Unfortunately, losing fat the smart way can be difficult. Experts say your teen will benefit from your support. The following tips could prevent a teen with disordered eating patterns from slipping over the thin line and into an eating disorder:
- Teach low-fat cooking skills.
- Let the teen eat when she is hungry.
- Limit television.
- Encourage a day of rest.
- Serve balanced meals.
- Don't always forbid fast food.
- Encourage informal, moderate exercise.
- Emphasize fruits and vegetables and fiber.
- Don't count calories.
- Don't obsess in front of the mirror.
