May 5, 2011

Do you have friends or family members who are unhappy with how their body looks? Are they always comparing themselves to celebrities, models or others in the media? Do you think the media plays a role in the way women, teens and even younger girls view themselves?

Let’s dig deeper into body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Joining me on this week’s podcast is licensed nutritionist and certified eating disorders registered dietitian Karen Beerbower.  Karen has a Masters degree in Medical Science from Indiana University School of Medicine.

As the president of Nutritional Guidance Inc., based in Orlando, she has worked in private practice for over 20 years and is the Clinical Director of Blue Horizons Eating Disorder Services.

Karen talks about the growing numbers of women, teens and even young girls who are unhappy or dissatisfied with their bodies.

Their self worth, worth to others and happiness is based on the perception of what they think others are looking for or see as ideal…not on their inner self.

Did you know that everyday we are exposed to over 3000 images, many based on a woman’s appearance that has been altered in some way (computer enhanced or airbrushed as examples). With the obesity crisis front and center, there is awareness that one must keep weight in check at all costs.

Shockingly Karen reports that 47% of young girls ages 12-18 are unhappy with their weight and many at age 12 and younger are dieting. These young girls (8-12 years old) read magazines where the models are in their 20s and want to associate with how they look.

Restrictive eating through dieting can then lead to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Medically, there is concern that their bodies have not fully developed. What effects this dieting has on hormones, body fat, future health and fertility are unknown.

Fast forward to a group of older women who are also unhappy with their looks. Many fingers extend beyond traditional eating disorders including this segment referred to as desperate housewives syndrome.

Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.

Listen to this week’s podcast