Most of us have all known someone in our lives that has sparked our concern over their well being. The friend that was going through a stressful time and her weight plummeted over the months, the girl at the gym who looks dangerously thin - while often this is a temporary state of being, for some coming back from the brink can be more difficult.

1. Silent Suffering
Most of us have all known someone in our lives that has sparked our concern over their well being. The
friend that was going througha stressfultime andher weight plummetedover themonths, the girl at the gym who
looks dangerously thin - while often this is a temporary state of being, for some coming back from the brink can
be more difficult.
EatingDisordersStatistics
February is Eating Disorders Awareness month, which aims to focus on the silent suffering of millions of
people around the globe. Eating disorders including bulima, anorexia and obesity and have the highest
mortality rates of all mental illnesses, but it is estimated that only one in 10 people seek treatment for their
condition.
The UAE is considered to have one of the highest rates of obesity in the world and figures show that this is on the
rise in the Middle East especiallyamongst adolescentsandteens. Whilewomenare mostcommonly affected
by eating disorders, men develop eating disorders too and while the number of sufferers are unknown in the
Middle East a survey by Al Ain University found that 1.8 percent of the 900 girls questioned were anorexic.
Another study conducted by university students in the UAE found that three quarters of young Emiratis have

2. body issues and one in five needed clinical intervention.
Dubai based Right Bite Nutrition Centre, Dietician Maria Abi Hanna reveals: “Eating disorders are real,
complex and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity and
relationships.” She said physical warning signs include: rapid weight loss, signs of damage due to
induced vomiting such as calluses on the knuckles and feeling cold. Other tell tale signs include
behavioural and psychological warnings such as: preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and
weight.
EatingDisordersTreatment
Suffererscanalsofeel anxiousatmeal times,take partinexcessiveexercise and use laxatives. Dr Maria
saidthere isno knownway to preventeatingdisorders but early treatment is the best way to keep the
problemfromprogressing. The age groupmostat riskof developingeatingdisorders is between 12 and
20, but it can also happen at any age and be triggered by stress.
These guidelines to help people live happier and healthier lives:
*Create a healthy environment for self-esteem and encourage healthy eatinghabits.Familydininghabits
can influence the relationships children develop with food.
*Keepinmindwellbeingisabout leadingabalancedlifestyle that includes eating a balanced and varied
diet in moderation.
*Make a checklist to value yourself and praise yourself by setting goals and record accomplishments.
This will build self confidence which is key to overcoming a disorder.
*Distortedimagescan often foster an unrealistic view of body image. The average model 30 years ago
was 8 percent thinner than the average woman. Today the average model is 23 percent thinner than the
average woman!
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