Anorexia Increase

There has been an 80% rise of Anorexia in girls 16 and under. It is unclear as to why this is and there needs to be more research made in this area. One of the reasons could be the influence of media and television. This influences teenage girls into achieving the smallest dress size possible to be like their heroes such as actresses or pop stars. We all need a proper well balanced diet to keep healthy. As the risks involved in trying to attain a size zero can cause many healthy problems.

Some effects of Dieting to reach a sized zero are

Stomach Cramps
Dry flaky skin
Tiredness
Low Self Esteem
Feeling Depressed Worthless
Loss of Muscle Mass

Body mass index

If you need to go on a diet, first check your body mass index. This will tell you your correct weight for your height and give you a guideline to how much weight you need to lose.

Healthy Diet Tips are: -

Eat a wide variety of foods like fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables.
Eat the right amount by eating small to medium portions.
Try to eat about 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Eat plenty foods which are rich in starch and fibre such as brown bread, pasta, potatoes or breakfast cereals.

Reduce fat intake

We all need some fat in our diet but try reducing it. For example instead of cakes and sweet things try to exchange these for fruit or low fat treats like yogurt.

Useful Websites

http://www.b-eat.co.uk/ - This website gives help on Eating Disorders. beat Helpline:0845 634 1414

http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/anorexia.php - This website gives help on Anorexia.

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/anorexia.html - This website gives support and information on Anorexia nervosa.