It is the beginning of the year and that means New Years Resolutions to get fit and lose weight in the new year. While it is healthy for folks to eat right and exercise, for some it turns into an obsession.
Girls and boys as young as 8 or 9 are dying to be thin. It is everywhere you look. Diet ads, tips on how to lose weight, and why thin is supposedly in floods ads and media. But did you know there are also ads that tell young people how to become Anorexic or Bulimic? It is called "thinspiration" and it is feeding an epidemic of eating disorders.
Dr. Craig Johnson is a physician at Laureate. He is an expert in how to treat such disorders. He says, "We have seen an increase in the prevalence of the disorder... We are seeing more older women and many younger kids developing the illness."
Just ask Caitlin Pegg and Jessica Tarabay. Pegg says, "I have to say it started in kindergarten." Tarabay says, "I knew I was an addict. I knew that it consumed my life." Both girls developed early in elementary school because they were taller than most of their classmates they felt out of place. Pegg adds, "I thought if I could change my weight I would be liked by everyone."
Dr. Johnson says, "The average weight gain for girls between 11 and 14 is 10 pounds a year. Girls are gaining 40 pounds in 4 years." For most girls that is healthy. Dr. Johnson urges parents to watch for the warning signs. He says, "If they start getting very preoccupied with it or if they start focusing on it and not spending time with friends."
Pegg says, "It is not worth it. If there was anything I could change this is it." Tarabay adds, "My brother told me he couldn't hug me anymore he said I feel like I am going to break you." That was motivation for both girls to break the vicious cycle. One day at a time they focus on recovery. Giving up what has given them comfort for so long. Choosing to feed their souls with hope.
Tarabay says, "I will probably think about it forever in my mind.. but its not going to have control over me anymore." Pegg says, "I believe that everyone can do it."
If you need help or no someone who does you need to get treatment.
Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital is located in South Tulsa.
You an reach Dr. Craig Johnson's staff at (918) 481-4000.
