Start With Prevention Build Your Child's Self-Image What's wrong with wanting to be thin? There's nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy but we're putting too much emphasis on thinness. Eating disorders that were once rare are growing at an alarming rate and are occurring at a younger age than ever before. Treatment programs are seeing patients as young as 8 years old with anorexia and bulimia. Why? Every day kids are bombarded with images of super-thin models, actors, and athletes. Talk show hosts, sit-coms, comedians, family, and friends talk about fad diets and weight loss programs. Our society perpetrates the idea that if you're not thin -- there's something wrong with you. A recent study showed that 80% of fourth graders had already tried to diet. You can counteract this unhealthy atmosphere and help your family and friends be happy with themselves and the way they look by: praising your children, your teenagers, your spouse, your friends, your family and yourself for accomplishments, not just looks. serving balanced, nutritious meals that promote healthy food choices eating meals as family to develop good eating habits not making food a power struggle and mealtimes a battle ground letting each household member choose what foods to eat and how much to eat not disparaging your own weight or commenting about someone else's weight preaching and practicing a healthy lifestyle that focuses on the importance of moderation, good nutrition, and healthy exercise. If you're concerned that you or someone you care about may have gone beyond "dieting" and be suffering an eating disorder, take the Eating Disorder ID Quiz, learn what to do if there is a problem and where to get help.       ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS WHEN IT'S SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO LEARN MORE | DISORDERED EATING MAIN PAGE BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.