Critics Accuse ‘Wintergirls’ Of Creating Eating Disorders
Posted on June 9, 2009 by admin
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Over the years there have been a number of accusations about books, media, and websites that focus on the topic of eating disorders as ‘teaching’ teenagers to develop diseases such as anorexia. As a matter of fact, with the emergence of so-called “proana” groups, websites and message board that promote eating disorders as a lifestyle rather then a disease, some Internet watchdogs have even been putting pressure on ISP’s and web hosts to erase groups that claim this ideology.
But in an article by the New York Times such attitudes went a step further. According to a blog post written by NY Times columnist Tara Parker-Pope, just the mere suggestion of the symptoms of anorexia may possibly be enough to antagonize those susceptible to the disease. She mentions a book written by Laurie Halse Anderson, ‘Wintergirls’, in which a senior in High School faces the struggles associated with anorexia, which gives intimate details about the behaviors associated with the disease.
While no one is suggesting that someone with no predisposition to these problems would suddenly develop an eating disorder, it does raise the question over whether or not it is safe for such materials to be available as a part of a wide reading list, when it so obviously and graphically describes certain aspect of the disease. It also raises the question over whether or not these books and other sources may help to provide more information into the disease itself to girls who are at risk.
According to many who read ‘Wintergirls’ and other books related to anorexia, they used it as a method of gaining ‘tips and tricks’ that allowed them to further their own disease. But whether or not it goes far enough as to say it promotes or encourages it is another matter entirely.
The Signs Of An Eating Disorder
If you have ever suspected that your own child or teenager, whether male or female, may have developed an eating disorder, there are some signs you should be aware of. These are only general, but if you notice any of these behaviors they could be a red flag that something serious is going on, especially if you notice more then one. In the case of extreme cases, you should always consult a doctor or specialist.
1) – Fasting or ‘Restricting’ – When your child stops eating completely it can be an obvious sign that something is wrong. However, many parents fail to recognize the signs of ‘restricting’. A common practice among those with eating disorders, someone will set a number of calories and fats that is well under a daily limit, and attempt to eat at – or under – that amount.
2). Body Dysmorphia – A common symptom of eating disorders, where a person will perceive their body as a way other then what it is. Usually, a person suffering from an eating disorder will see themselves, or specific body parts, as larger then they really are.
3). Secretive Binging – An inevitable part of eating disorder is binging, a sudden excess in food consumption. This is usually done in a secretive manner, and so is shown by food suddenly disappearing from the kitchen, especially odd foods like dry noodles, ketchup, or items you would not normally eat on their own. This could also be a case of hoarding food.
4). Exercise Bulimia – An exercise bulimic will work out excessively, often to the point of making themselves ill, or even dehydration. This is usually an every day occurrence, where they feel they have to go to the gym, run, ect., sometimes for hours.
5). Extreme Weight Changes – While many will lose an unusual amount of weight in a short amount of time, many will also gain a sudden amount of weight, especially in a binge cycle. Weight fluctuations that go up and down rapidly are a common sign of eating disorders.
