Customer Reviews

Eating Disorders: The Facts

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This was one of the most frustrating books to read on the subject of eating disorders because the emphasis seemed to be on the wrong things. When we think of eating disorders we must realize how much we still need to learn. There were so many references to "ideal" weights and dieting that it would be counterproductive for a patient with an eating disorder to read this book. Some interesting facts about eating disorders and pregnancy were mentioned in this book, and these seemed to be more in the authors' area of expertise. There are many other books written on treating eating disorders and the key seems to be treating the patient with compassion. There was confusion in the book in defining the different eating disorders because there aren't any international standards. In the U.S. we typically use the DSM-IV for diagnosis guidelines, but the guidelines used in other countries are somewhat different making this more difficult to understand.

This is a thorough book. The basics of the three major eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia and obesity, are examined both individually and as a group, with opening chapters on adolescent eating behaviors and the sexual maturation process. Numerous case history outlines provide surprising insights into the mind of the eating disorder victim. You will not find what you might expect. Any parent with a daughter in sports should get this book. Eating disorders are a subject which parents today cannot study
enough