Comments on: A diet that spiraled into anorexia

By: Finally Free

Finally Free — Wed, 01 May 2013 06:00:21 +0000

1. I read about some research recently where they asked (using 'image-morphing' computer software that showed the same female in different body sizes) American men and women to pick the size they found most attractive. The women on average picked about four sizes smaller than the men!
2. One person in the fashion industry told me flat-out that many of the fashion designers are [homosexual men] who want their models to look like the boys they lust for.

By: Ashley Evangelista

Ashley Evangelista — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:25:10 +0000

I was 11 when I started the diet that changed my life

By: Rachel-Elise Cotter

Rachel-Elise Cotter — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:59:05 +0000

Hi Judy! I hope to see your next post soon!

By: Esther Simons

Esther Simons — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:57:50 +0000

I pity girls growing up in a society that saturates them with pictures of impossibly skinny size 0 celebrities. I have heard it discussed that the image of beauty portrayed in the media is deliberately inobtainable to keep us consumers buying. If we were G-d forbid to have a healthy self image we wouldn't spend so much on the latest fashions, make up or creams.
I applaud you on your blog, if it even helps one parent avoid your difficult journey by identifying early signs it will be worth it.
I hope your daughter wins her battle and learns that true beauty is within and not our waist size.

By: Baila Beatrice Brecher

Baila Beatrice Brecher — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:23:17 +0000

"I never should have let her diet to begin with". As parents we always blame ourselves. You went on to say that your daughter probably had a predisposition to the disease, but wished you had quashed it. But sooner or later she would have dieted. It's the reality for women, starting from the time they are young girls. We diet. It's not right that perfectly healthy girls feel they need to, but it was that way when we were kids and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. And unfortunately, Anorexia is not a disease like cancer–sometimes the symptoms aren't obvious, and yes, can be hidden from the people they are closest to. So I hope you and your husband cut yourselves some slack as you deal with this, and of course I hope and pray that your daughter has a full recovery. (And I think it's so important that you're sharing your family's story. Thank you.)

By: Baila Beatrice Brecher

Baila Beatrice Brecher — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:23:17 +0000

By: Rachel Selby

Rachel Selby — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:45:56 +0000

Or not.

By: Eliyahu Shiffman

Eliyahu Shiffman — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:08:45 +0000

"I never should have let her diet to begin with." I wonder if this remark somehow hints at the partial root of this problem. Fifteen is an age that parents usually begin to loosen the reins and allow their kids to start making some of their own decisions and exercising their autonomy. Perhaps your daughter felt she had little decision-making power over her own life, and the refusal to eat was a (negative) attempt to wrest some control from her parents and assert her independence.