Does the media play a role in eating disorders?

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Category: Culture and Media

ED_Bites ran a thoughtful post on the effect eating disorders may have on people with eating disorders.

I agree with Carrie that the media does not cause eating disorders. However, the media does play a role in supporting eating disorders by displaying impossible bodies as if they were normal and easy to maintain in a healthy way.

The lap band advertisements are worrisome as well. Here in Los Angeles we have billboards as well as radio and I think TV ads touting the simplicity and speed of lap band procedures to instantly remove pounds and unhappiness.

These procedures are advertised as if they were a convenient and simple way to bring freedome and happiness. I can appreciate someone wanting that promise to be true. But a quick fix doesn't touch on the underlying reasons for the weight. It just strips a person of defenses leaving her more vulnerable.

Deep psychological work is usually required for long lasting freedom.

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Free Los Angeles Community Program on holiday stress and problem eating issues, Dec. 8, 2009.

Manipulative Weight Loss Seminars Exposed

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Category: Culture and Media

Weight loss seminars sell dreams: Pretty promises packaged in fast, easy to use vials, bottles and boxes, wrapped in colorful celophane and offering quick weight loss and a life of friendship, career advancement, love and romance. Eat, drink, massage and vibrate your way to slim beauty. Please be aware and recognize the shiny magic lantern that promises to grant your wishes but delivers dissipating smoke.

Eating disorder recovery and using "to do" lists

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Category: Culture and Media

People with a history of eating disorders have a history of not recognizing or being able to create necessary boundaries. Have you learned to appreciate boundaries? 

Michael Jackson: Anorexia?

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Category: Culture and Media

For the past two nights I've been watching Michael Jackson videos on youtube. Here are a few.

• Beat It
• Billy Jean
• Thriller
• Michael Jackson & Brittany Spears live
• From New York Times: great interactive timeline of Michael Jackson's life.

I've always loved his music and his distinctive and electrifying dance moves. But I had never watched his career unfold chronologically before my eyes from first appearance as a dynamic little boy in the Jackson Five to the creative genius behind Thriller and beyond. His "We are the world" raised millions for starving children in Africa.

Yet at a low Michael was 91 pounds on a five 5'11" frame.