Archive for the 'Celebrity Topical News' Category

Anorexia & Autism

 

In our previous blog, The Science of Eating Disorders, we discussed the importance of ongoing research regarding the genetic origins of eating disorders.  This focus has many implications for improving prevention, identification and treatment efforts.  One example of this topic was highlighted in a recent Time Magazine article focusing on new research that uncovered possible genetic links between anorexia and autism.  Autism is a brain development disorder that develops prior to age three and affects boys at a much higher rate than girls.  In comparison, anorexia nervosa (AN) affects females at a higher rate than males, and the average age of onset is between 14 and 18.  While on the surface these two disorders may seem like unlikely partners, recent research and clinical observations may prove differently.  In fact, according to the article, research suggests that approximately 15% to 20% of patients with AN may also have Asperger’s syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum.  The Time Magazine article addresses possible explanations for the underlying similarities between autism and AN and elaborates on further connections between the two disorders.  Several of these main points are summarized and excerpted below:  

  • Emotion regulation is a common trait among individuals with autism and in those with AN.
  • “There is evidence that the ‘repetitive thoughts and behaviors, rigid routines and rituals and perfectionism’ that characterize both autism and AN may be traced to the same regions in the brain.”
  • It’s possible that the development of autism and the development of AN actually rely on the same genetic predisposition but it may manifest differently depending on an individual’s gender.
  •  ”Starvation itself intensifies autistic characteristics like rigidity and obsession.”
  • Underweight individuals with AN performed poorly on a test of interpreting other people’s emotions.  The test was originally developed to study impaired social interactions in people with autism-spectrum disorders.
  • “The theory is that hunger focuses the brain so sharply on the task of getting food that it shuts down higher cognitive functions, like reading other people’s emotions.”

To find out more about this topic, read the full length article, A Genetic Link Between Anorexia and Autism? and post your comments about this topic on our discussion board.

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Published by Kate Clemmer
July 1st, 2009 in In the News, Glossary Definitions, Editor's Picks, Celebrity Topical News
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Dangerous Diet Pills: Hydroxycut Recalled

Recently, the FDA recalled Hydroxycut products, the popular line of weight-loss supplements that have been on the market since 2002. Consumers were warned to immediately stop using the product after it was associated with 23 reports of serious health problems, including the death of a 19-year-old male due to liver failure.

This is not the first instance of a weight-loss supplement being removed from the market as a result of its serious health consequences. (Remember the recalls on Fen-Phen and Ephedra?) However, many consumers were still surprised to hear the news; the popularity and wide availability of Hydroxycut products for the past seven years have provided a false representation of the products’ safety.

It’s important to realize that unlike pharmaceutical drugs, manufacturers of dietary supplements do not need FDA approval before putting their products on the market. Instead, the FDA will step in to identify harmful products after they are already on sale. The problem with this system is that it can be difficult to identify isolated incidents, especially since the FDA depends on voluntary reports which can often come late or not at all. Case in point: the death of the 19-year-old male from his use of Hydroxycut occurred in 2007, but was not reported until March of 2009.

We here at The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, would like to take this opportunity to remind you about the dangers of using any type of dietary supplements, which have the potential to become addictive and affect your health. Seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomyolysis were just a few of the reported health problems associated with Hydroxycut. Additionally, there were reports of liver damage from those who took the doses recommended on the bottle, which goes to show that you do not have to abuse these popular supplements to be a victim of their harmful side effects.

In the often constant focus by society and individuals on the pursuit of thinness, the thought to the cost associated with this pursuit is often lost. This recall sheds light on just some of the tremendous dangers associated with this desire to change ones body through this type of “quick fix” via a pill. The list of consequences and of unhealthy schemes are too numerous to list here, but before embarking on another weight loss plan, give some thought - are the risks REALLY worth it?

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Published by Sarah Blake
May 12th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Michael Levine, Ph. D.

Dr. Levine is a gifted speaker and the co-author The Prevention of Eating Problems and Eating Disorders: Theory, Research, and Practice.  He is the Samuel B. Cummings Jr. Professor of Psychology at Kenyon College and former chair of the Psychology Department. In addition, Dr. Levine received the Lori Irving Award for Eating Disorders Prevention and Awareness and the Meehan-Hartley Award for Leadership in Public Awareness and Advocacy. He is currently a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders.

Last year, Dr. Levine provided us with an excellent presentation entitled “What are we waiting for?” The Necessity of Universal and Selective Approached to Preventing Disordered Eating. The feedback was so good, we brought him back this year to discuss, “Mass Media, Eating Disorders and the Bolder Model of Treatment, Prevention, and Advocacy. Dr. Levine joins us today to answer a few questions about eating disorder prevention, explain a little about what the Bolder Model of Treatment is and to explain the risks involved in a poorly constructed eating disorder prevention program.

Can eating disorders really be prevented?  At what age is it best to begin implementing prevention efforts? The honest answer is that no one really knows yet whether eating disorders can be prevented, because long-term longitudinal studies have not yet been conducted. There is substantial evidence that some risk factors can be reduced — and some protective factors (such as media literacy) increased — over a one-to-two-year period. It is probably best to begin full-blown prevention efforts around the ages of 6 or 7. At this age, we can begin to promote eating a variety of foods (including fruits and vegetables), to facilitate an active life style, to promote multiple competences, and to reduce weight-and-shape-based discrimination and teasing.

What is the Bolder Model of treatment, prevention and advocacy?  Where did it originate?

The “Boulder [Colorado] Model” of clinician-practitioner training, better known as the standard “scientist-practitioner model” informs current Ph.D. programs in Clinical and in Counseling Psychology. It was developed in the late 1940’s as the first Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology were being developed. The “Bolder” model of treatment, prevention, and advocacy was developed in the late 1990’s by the late Dr. Lori Irving and Michael Levine. It takes the feminist dictum that “the personal is the political” (and vice versa) and adds the professional element. An introduction to this approach may be found in:

Irving, L. (1999). A bolder model of prevention: Science, practice, and activism. In N. Piran, M.  P. Levine, & C. Steiner-Adair (Eds.), Preventing eating disorders: A handbook of interventions and special challenges (pp. 63-83). Philadelphia: Taylor & Routledge.

What are the signs of an ineffective or detrimental prevention program?

Ineffective programs, some of which are potentially detrimental, tend to treat students as ignorant and easily led astray by culture. These unhelpful programs tend to lecture at students so as to provide them with frightening information that is designed to deter them from, for example, extreme dieting. These programs run the risk of being a waste of time, and, worse of being either voyeuristic (e.g., “look at the horrible, thin anorexic people”) or of inadvertently promoting unhealthy means of weight management. One prominent sign of an ineffective program is students who are disinterested because they do not see the issues as having anything to do with them.

Contrary to that, what major elements make up a successful approach to eating disorder prevention?

My review (Levine & Smolak, 2006) of every published and unpublished study that I could locate failed to reveal consistent elements in the successful programs. That said, I believe that the most successful programs have more (rather than less) of the 5 C’s:  Consciousness-raising in regard to personal, social, and cultural influences on body image and eating; Connection-building, that is, fostering of relationships between students and between students and positive adult mentors; Competence-building, that is, the development of life skills such as stress management and assertive communication; and Change via Choice, such that participants in the program are encouraged to put their knowledge, connections, and competencies to work changing unhealthy personal, social, and cultural practices. The work toward these changes must reflect choices and other input that the participants provide.

Levine, M. P., & Smolak, L. (2006). The prevention of eating problems and eating disorders: Theory, research, and practice. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Many thanks to Michael Levine for giving us a glimpse into what is needed for a  prevention program to be successful and at what point prevention can begin. This is such an important topic, as developing solid, valid prevention programs is the aim of so many professionals working in the eating disorder field. We look forward to hearing Michael share more about this topic on Saturday - April 18th at our annual symposium. If you have not yet registered, but would still like to come, you can register for this event, by visiting our Events Page. 

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Published by Sarah Blake
April 14th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Judith Banker, MA, LLP, FAED

In addition to being the founder and Executive Director of an eating disorder treatment center, Judith Banker currently serves as President of the The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), a global professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in eating disorder education, training, treatment, research and prevention.   She has lectured internationally on eating disorder treatment, and we are honored to welcome her to Baltimore for the Center for Eating Disorders’ annual professional symposium, Eating Disorders: State of the Art Treatment.   During this year’s symposium on April 18, 2009, Ms. Banker will deliver her presentation, Dynamic Tension to Dynamic Strength:  Integrating Research and Practice in the Treatment of Eating Disorders. For a sneak peak at her presentation, check out today’s blog in which Ms. Banker offers insight into the ” research-practice gap”  and why it is such an important issue for eating disorder professionals to learn about.

Ms. Banker, how would you define the term “research-practice gap”?  Is it unique to the field of eating disorder treatment?

The term research-practice gap (RPG) refers to a complex gap in attitudes, systems, knowledge and dialogue between those who primarily conduct research and those in direct practice who provide treatment to individuals and families. The RPG is not at all unique to the field of eating disorders- it occurs in most fields with a strong science and research-driven component.

What are some of the underlying causes of this gap between research and practice?

The RPG is driven by a combination of forces and conditions.  These can include, 1) a lack of opportunities for researchers and clinicians to interact and engage in dialogue about treatment issues, 2) a lack of training programs that promote a scientist-practitioner model,  3)  the use of different jargon by those in research and those who practice clinically, and 4) practical conditions such as a lack of time, funding and support for professionals to participate in both research and practice.

Why do you feel this is this an important area of study for eating disorder professionals?

There are many gaps in the knowledge base in our field. The lack of dialogue and contact between researchers and practitioners can be detrimental to both parties and to our patients.  When therapists and providers don’t have a chance to communicate to researchers, it results in the loss of important clinical observations that could help to inform the research.  Similarly,  when the research findings do not reach clinical settings, it means treatment providers are not always implementing the most effective treatments in their practice.  In the end, it is the quality of patient care that suffers. We need research-practice integration to build our knowledge base and to develop the very best, most effective treatments for people with eating disorders and their families.

In addition to attending your workshop on April 18th, where can clinicians and treatment providers go to learn more about your research and the work you have done around this issue? 

AED Past President, Kelly Klump, and I wrote a chapter on the RPG that is available in a book edited by Ida Dancyger, PhD & Victor Fornari, MD, entitled, Evidence Based Treatments for Eating Disorders: Children, Adolescents and Adults (Nova Science Publishers, 2009). 

Additionally, the AED has created a listserv that is open to all members for discussion regarding causes and solutions for the RPG.  The AED also sponsors annualGlobal Think Tank sessions at the AED International Conference on Eating Disorders where attendees can address how to promote research-practice integration in our field.  Eating disorder professionals can learn more about these opportunities at www.aedweb.org.

Many thanks to Judith Banker for taking the time to offer her knowledge in regards to the Research-Practice Gap.  It is clearly a relevant topic that, for the purpose of improving and advancing treatment for individuals with eating disorders, deserves more attention from professionals in the field.  We hope many of you will be able to find out more during Ms. Bankers presentation at The Center for Eating Disorders’ annual symposium on April 18, 2009.  To register for this event, please visit our Events Page. 

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Published by Sarah Blake
April 9th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Stewart Agras, M.D.

On April 18th, 2009  Dr. Stewart Agras will be among five national speakers to present in Towson, Maryland at The Center for Eating Disorders’ annual professional symposium, Eating Disorders: State of the Art Treatment.  Dr. Agras is currently a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and has made significant contributions to the field of eating disorder treatment through his extensive research over the last twenty years.   At this year’s symposium, Dr. Agras will deliver the most up-to-date treatment information for professionals in his talk,  Improving the Treatment of Bulimia .  He responded to some of our questions about this topic and we’ve posted them in today’s blog.  

Dr. Agras, how have the treatments for bulimia nervosa changed and progressed over time?  What do you think has driven these changes? 

“When the number of individuals with bulimia began to increase in clinics during the 1970’s no treatment for bulimia nervosa had been described in the literature.  This led researchers at Oxford University (UK) and Stanford to develop cognitive-behavioral therapy based, in part, on clinical insights into the disorder and using elements from the behavioral treatments of binge eating and depression. Subsequent research studies over the years refined the treatment, adding elements such as attention to interpersonal triggers of binge eating.  Hence, the changes were largely driven by research studies and more extensive clinical experience with this difficult patient group.”

Why is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) considered the “treatment of choice” for bulimia nervosa? 

“A fairly large number of controlled studies have shown that CBT is more effective than medication (both tricyclic antidepressants and SSRI), supportive-expressive psychotherapy, stress management, and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).  However, in a large-scale controlled trial interpersonal therapy was as effective as CBT at 1-year follow-up.  Hence, the evidence clearly suggests that CBT is the treatment of choice and that it will act more quickly than IPT.”

What is guided self-help (GSH) and is it beneficial for patients who are struggling with bulimia nervosa? 

“Guided self-help is a shortened version of CBT in which the patient is encouraged to read a book describing the disorder and its treatment and is “coached” by a therapist in brief 20-30 minute sessions. Within the session the emphasis is on using the book to solve problems.  A number of small scale trials have shown that GSH is about as effective as full CBT, and one large-scale trial has confirmed this finding.  Hence, GSH is clearly effective for at least some patients who are struggling with bulimia nervosa, and the question arises whether GSH should be used as a first step in the treatment of bulimia nervosa.”

Many thanks to Dr. Stewart Agras for his responses and participation in today’s blog.  The Center for Eating Disorders is happy to present eating disorder professionals with the opporuntinity to hear Dr. Agras speak live at the symposium on April 18th.  Additionally, he has several recent publications that are available from Gurze Books online.

To download the symposium program brochure or to register for the April 18th symposium, please visit our events page.  This event is open to all professionals who treat patients with eating disorders and has been approved for 6.25 CEUs for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and counselors and 6.5 credits for dietitians.  The discounted registration rate expires on April 10th and space is limited so don’t delay!  Please call (410) 938-4593 if you have any questions.

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Published by Kate Clemmer
April 6th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Kathryn Zerbe, M.D.

On Saturday, April 18th, 2009, Dr. Kathryn Zerbe will be one of five nationally recognized speakers to present at The Center for Eating Disorders’ annual professional symposium entitled, Eating Disorders: State of the Art Treatment.  Dr. Zerbe’s presentation, Integrated Treatment for Eating Disorders: Beyond the Body Betrayed, will provide an in-depth look at the treatment issues she discusses in her new book by the same name.  Recently, Dr. Zerbe provided us with an engaging preview of her upcoming talk and a glimpse inside her new book.  Her responses to our questions are posted in today’s blog. 

Dr. Zerbe, your previous book, “The Body Betrayed”, was a highly beneficial read for professionals and patients alike.  Who is the intended audience of your most recent book, “Integrated Treatment of Eating Disorders: Beyond the Body Betrayed,”?

“The new book is about the treatment of eating disorders, and it is written with clinicians, patients, and family members as a target audience.  In my view, education is a formidable tool in the treatment of eating disorders, but these complex illnesses are often understood from only one vantage point (biological, psychological, cultural, etc).  In my new book, I wanted to show how patients and their treatment providers have to take as many perspectives into account as possible.”

Why is it important to consider the patient’s stage of life when treating an eating disorder?

“Depending upon where a person is in the life cycle, their emotional needs and the challenges they face are different.  Although needs for security and attachment are present from infancy until the end of life, there are notable differences for an adolescent, a new mother, a middle-aged man, and so forth.  Treatment for an eating disorder must take into account the cognitive differences of our adolescent patients and our adult patients.  A new mother who has had an eating disorder will face a different assortment of problems in feeding her infant, or herself, than a middle aged person who is dealing with an aging body and the finiteness of time.  In my book, I give many examples of how treatment must be adapted to where the person is in the life cycle, stressing that there are certain normal development crisis points that we all go through.”

What are some of the “special problems” you talk about in your book that clinicians face when treating patients with an eating disorder?

“Clinicians can so easily believe that a person who gets better with a symptom is “all better.”  New research demonstrates that this is not the case by any means.  We must take into consideration other domains of a patient’s life.  How has the eating disorder interfered with developing relationships?  Is the person satisfied and able to experience joy?  Does the person who has an eating problem feel that this is what defines who they are, or are they on a path to have a more multifaceted identity?  I also write about how often sexuality is neglected in treatment of eating disorders.  We clinicians really shouldn’t consider it a ’special problem’, but I am struck by how many patients have issues in this area that they deeply suffer from, and no one has asked them about it.  In my view, focusing on the eating disorder in treatment is never enough.  We have to look at the whole person and what makes that person feel whole.  Fulfilling relationships are a key aspect of improved quality of life for all of us.”

What does it mean for treatment to be “integrated” and why is that an essential characteristic of successful therapy for eating disorders?

“Integrated treatment takes into account the biological, psychological, and cultural underpinnings of the eating disorder.  It also means that clinicians who are involved in the treatment of a patient, let’s say the therapist, the nutritionist, and the medical doctor, must also work as a team.  In order to be effective, clinicians must hear the patient’s story, understand their unique personal history, recognize important media and cultural influences that impinge, and appreciate the growing research base of genetics, brain hormones, and medications.  Patients must be educated about the importance of each domain and how it may impact them as individuals.”

The Center for Eating Disorders would like to thank Dr. Zerbe for taking the time to share her responses to our questions in this blog. We look forward to her upcoming visit to Baltimore and her presentation on April 18th.  Dr. Zerbe’s books will be available for purchase at the symposium, but if you’re interested in purchasing them before the event, please visit Gurze Books online.

To download the program brochure or to register for the April 18th symposium, please visit our events page.  This event is open to all professionals who treat patients with eating disorders and has been approved for 6.25 CEUs for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and counselors and 6.5 credits for dietitians.  The discounted registration rate expires on April 10th and space is limited so don’t delay!  Please call (410) 938-4593 if you have any questions.

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Published by Kate Clemmer
March 30th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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ORTHOREXIA: Too Much of a Good Thing?

 

 

We’ve been told for years that healthful eating is wise. We can spout the numerous benefits to our health in terms of decreased disease risk, improved energy levels, and longer life expectancy, to name a few. Is it possible then, to be too concerned, even obsessed about healthy food, or eating in a healthful way?

Many health professionals would argue that, yes, healthful eating can be taken to the extreme. The term orthorexia was coined in the late 1990s by Steven Bratman, MD, and refers to a, “fixation on righteous eating.” It is important to remember that orthorexia is a non medical term and is not considered a clinical diagnosis or an official eating disorder.  Orthorexia does, however, represent a form of disordered eating which can easily progress into a number of clinically significant physical and emotional problems.  

Orthorexia is described as an obsession with the purity of food, and some health providers see a link to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and to the eating disorders of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN).  Individuals with orthorexia have an unhealthy focus on the quality of food and, as a result, adhere to extremely rigid diets. Symptoms may include eating little to no processed foods, a focus on foods with too much or too little of a given nutrient, and consuming only organic and/or raw foods.  In a culture that often supports fad diets and the general labeling of foods as “bad” or “good”, these symptoms may sound harmless or even common.  In reality, this intense obsession with food purity is anything but harmless. 

Although it may sound like a paradox, as people become obsessed with healthy eating, they can become increasingly unhealthy.  Malnutrition, fatigue, weakness, osteoporosis, digestive problems and damage to internal organs can occur as a result of rigid and obsessive diets.  The emotional distress can be just as damaging. As is the case for many people with eating disorders, individuals dealing with orthorexia spend a great deal of time thinking about food and planning their meals.  A decreased enjoyment of food and eating may also occur.  The rigorous pursuit of “approved” foods can result in social isolation, depression, anxiety, decreased productivity and concentration, and the prioritizing of the diet above all else, including family and friends.   

How do you know if you’ve crossed the line from general attempts at healthy eating to the slippery slope of orthorexia and/or a possible eating disorder?  Listed below are some of the warning signs that could indicate the need for professional support.  Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you…

•  Constantly worry about the quality of food you ingest?

•  Feel superior to others who are less pure in their dietary habits?

• Categorize the majority of foods as dangerous, and only extremely pure, natural foods as safe?

•  Feel extreme guilt after eating “bad” foods that you consider to be unhealthy or impure?

•  Feel very competitive about food and/or criticize the eating habits of other people?

• Spend significant amounts of time each day thinking about or planning food and meals?

•  Eliminate foods you once enjoyed in order to eat the “right” foods?

• Have difficulty eating anywhere but at home due to your dietary restrictions? 

•  Feel more in control when you adhere strictly to your diet?

It’s important to remember that help is available.  Qualified health professionals can assist individuals in finding a comfortable, balanced relationship with food that restores pleasure and enjoyment to eating experiences. If you or someone you know struggle with the symptoms described above, please call The Center for Eating Disorders at (410) 938-5252 to speak with an Admissions Coordinator about treatment options.

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Published by Kate Clemmer
March 17th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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The Center for Eating Disorders celebrates the 23rd annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

The mission of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is “to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses - not choices - and it’s important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder.”  (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/)

This year, the Center for Eating Disorders (CED) celebrated National Eating Disorders Awareness Week by sponsoring three events designed to help educate the community about eating disorders, promote the development of positive body image, and provide families with support in dealing with the stress eating disorders bring to the family.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL.  On Sunday, Februray 22nd,  CED kicked-off the week with a double screening of the highly-acclaimed documentary, America the Beautiful, which delves into the pressures associated with our country’s obsession with beauty as it is defined by the media, cosmetic and fashion industries.  Almost 400 people came out to The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, to see the film, and to meet it’s writer, producer and director, Darryl Roberts.  Roberts engaged the audience in a Question & Answer session following each screening of the film and responded to many of their questions about topics such as his motivation for making the film and the repercussions he faced as a result of exposing the cosmetic companies and other major industries in his film.  If you missed the film this weekend, visit http://www.americathebeautifuldoc.com/ for the details and to hear updates about the DVD release! 

CED staff with America the Beautiful Director, Darryl Roberts (back row, right)

LOVE YOUR TREE. On Tuesday evening, February 22nd, more than 100 students, teachers and family from across Maryland, gathered to celebrate the artwork submitted as part of The CED’s 3rd annual Love Your Tree poster and body image campaign. Over 180 posters depicting students’ appreciation for their bodies and the theme, “like a tree, my body is…” were displayed in an exhibit and remain up for viewing through March 6th at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt.  The evening began with a recognition ceremony, during which Suzanne Collins, of WJZ News, gave a special welcome and personal message about the importance of positive body image.  Later in the evening, Ms. Collins and CED staff helped to unveil the inspiring artwork of Notre Dame Preparatory school student, Ayana Owens which was chosen to be reproduced and will be utilized to help spread the message about positive body image throughout the year. 

High school student, Ayana Owens (left) with her artwork and Julia Andersen, CED Expressive Therapy Coordinator and creator of the Love Your Tree poster and body image campaign  

In addition to these exciting events, The Center for Eating Disorders sponsored a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction seminar for families and caregivers of individuals with eating disorders on Thursday, February 24th.  Community Outreach Coordinators from the Center also spent the week traveling to colleges and universities providing eating disorder and body image education to students and faculty. 

The Center for Eating Disorders is committed to eating disorder awareness and prevention efforts throughout the year.  If your school or organization is interested in hosting a presentation about eating disorders and/or body image please call (410) 427-3886 or email kclemmer@sheppardpratt.org.

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Published by Kate Clemmer
March 3rd, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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CED Welcomes Darryl Roberts, Director of the Widely-Acclaimed Documentary, America The Beautiful

On Sunday February 22, 2009 The Center for Eating Disorders will kick-off National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2009 by hosting the Baltimore premiere of the widely acclaimed documentary, America the Beautiful.  This film explores the cultural issues related to body image in America and the dangerous consequences of striving for an unrealistic definition of beauty.  The Director of the film, Darryl Roberts, will also be at the event on Sunday to provide a Q & A discussion with the audience.  Roberts agreed to begin the discussion in our blog by answering a few questions about the film and how it has affected those who view it.  His responses are below:

      

Darryl Roberts

What inspired you to create America the Beautiful? Did you have a specific goal in mind?

I was inspired to create the film when I reflected back on past relationships with two beautiful women and realized that I didn’t commit to marrying them because I was searching for the beauty found on TV. Why was I searching for the beauty found on TV? Because I thought it was obtainable, but that beauty is not obtainable. Women on television go to dangerous lengths to achieve “perfection.” I was also inspired to create the film after interviewing 200 women. I asked these women a simple question - do you feel attractive? Out of the 200, only 2 said yes. 

I didn’t have a specific goal in mind when creating America the Beautiful because I viewed it as more of an exploration, but as I started making the film I developed two goals. Goal A - Based on the way the film is constructed, I wanted to show the danger in overly obsessing about beauty. The extreme measures people go to (plastic surgery, dieting, etc.) to obtain beauty is not good for you. It’s eye-opening. Goal B- By the films end, I want people to leave with the message that we need to start learning to love ourselves for who we are and take our love back from the beauty and fashion industries. It can be the beginning of empowerment.

Why do you think it is important for people to see America the Beautiful?  Who could benefit from seeing this film?

Well, everyone can certainly benefit from seeing the film but I think it hits home for college and high school age women because they are really in the midst of the beauty obsession.  Women in their 40’s and 50’s always tell me (after watching the film) that they want their daughters to see it as soon as possible because of the message it sends. While I think the film really benefits teenage and twenty-something women, its always interesting to see how young men gravitate toward the film as well. Everyone really enjoys it. 

Want to see a preview for America The Beautiful? Watch the movie trailer at http://www.americathebeautifuldoc.com/

Please visit our Events Page to find out more about the FREE screening of this film on Sunday, February 22, 2009.  Space is limited! RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY by calling (410) 938-3157 or by emailing ifisher@sheppardpratt.org.

 Above photo courtesy of pegasusnews.com

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Published by Kate Clemmer
February 18th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Did You Miss the LIVE Chat with Kirsten Haglund? See it here!

 photo courtesy of http://www.kirtsenhaglund.org/

On February 17th, Kirsten Haglund, former Miss America and ongoing advocate for  prevention and education around eating disorders, joined The Center for Eating Disorders in an on-line chat.  Kirsten shared information about her new foundation and her own path towards recovery from anorexia.  You can read the transcript of the evening’s chat below!

webmaster: Hello everyone!! Welcome to The Center for Eating Disorders’ second on-line chat. This evening we are very excited to have Kirsten Haglund with us. Kirsten has just recently handed over her Miss America crown to the new winner but has a new foundation and I am sure can tell us much about that this evening. Kirsten, can you begin by letting us know a little about what you are doing now?

Kirsten: Sure! Having finished my year as Miss America I have started my own foundation, the Kirsten Haglund Foundation, to raise money to provide scholarships for individuals seeking treatment for Eating Disorders… very excited about that.  I’m also traveling, speaking and being an active part of events related to Eating Disorders Awareness Week, here at the end of February… I feel lucky to have the ability to peek interest as ‘Miss America?’…. and then go on to explain what is important to me, and how people can become aware and get involved.

webmaster: I think it is fantastic that you have started a foundation. It is exactly the thing I always say I would like to do if I ever win the lottery, but here you have the chance to do it. It is exciting! What goes in to doing something like that?

Kirsten: Oh it is a lot of work! You need a lot of people to help you, that is the first step! You need to assemble a Board of Directors, file with your state as a legal 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, you obviously need to establish a mission and vision for the foundation, and assign duties to committee/board members. And of course, there is fundraising. In order to provide financial assistance in whatever way, you rely on donations and fundraising as much as possible, so that you can GIVE when you receive funds. Marketing the ‘brand’ is also essential as well, so as to attract attention and therefore, response. 

Chatter1: How will your foundation decide which individuals to provide financial help for? There are so many that need the treatment and I think it’s wonderful that you are taking this step to help in that area! Just wondering how it will all work??

Kirsten: While trust me, I would love to give money to anyone and everyone seeking treatment… In my talking with many other professionals in both the Eating Disorders community and the non-profit sector, providing scholarships based upon need, willingness to change, and other factors, seems to yield the most beneficial results for the individuals. Right now, we are going to post applications for scholarship online, and have a committee n the board review applications, with the help of professionals from the place where treatment is sought so that assistance is provided through the institution.

Chatter1: that definitely makes sense!

Chatter2: Would your foundation be oriented towards any particular type of eating disorder or across the spectrum of eating disorders?

Kirsten: Anyone seeking professional treatment for recovery from an eating disorder can apply for scholarship. And no, scholarships will not be awarded for one specific eating disorder. That factor would not be a basis of judgement.

Chatter1: That sounds great - I am excited for the people who that will help!

Kirsten: Yes I am so excited too! As soon as I come home to Michigan from LA here this week, I’ll be working with our web designer to publish the rest of our site and get the applications up.

Chatter2: When you have your website and applications up and running, do you think CED  (The Center for Eating Disorders) could post a link both for people in recovery who might want to apply but also for those who might want to donate? 

Kirsten: That would be WONDERFUL, absolutely.

Chatter3: What type of events are you attending next week for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week? Where will you be speaking?

Kirsten: I will be speaking at our state (Michigan) capital as a part of the Worldwide Charter for Action on Eating Disorders, with the Academy of Eating Disorders, as well as speaking for Health Programs at James Madison University in Virginia, and American University in DC coming up here in the next month! Busy busy.  This Friday, the 20th, I’ll be at James Madison University in Virginia, then I’m going to be in Lansing, MI at the state capital for the charter launch on Monday, the 23rd. Then on the 26th I’ll be speaking at American University in Washington, D.C., and the 28th, I’ll be speaking at a fundraiser for treatment costs at a private home in Connecticut! All good things!

Chatter4: What was your take on the fuss about Jessica Simpson and her supposed weight gain a couple of weeks ago?

Kirsten: BOOOO!!!! Wasn’t that ridiculous!? It is, once again, the media getting bored and using sensationalism to shock people and sell magazines. We ALL know that a silly, 2-dimensional image is never an accurate representation of one’s weight or overall health. And furthermore, would you see a male attacked like that for weight gain? No. Also, she is a SINGER. That is what she does for her profession. Did they make a comment about her voice, or her talent? Or her career, or her intelligence(although they do get on her about that sometimes too)? No. Once again they validated a woman based solely on her appearance and weight. Its horrible what they did to her and I pray Jessica stays strong. The media can be really stupid, but we don’t have to believe what they tell us to.

Chatter1: I agree! How do we get everyone else to realize that though?

Kirsten: Well, having had a job that deals with media EVERY single day… you realize that yellow journalism and that sensationalism has ALWAYS sold. Whether or not the person typing that article believes a word of what message they’re sending, they’re going to type it anyway. Yes, that’s harmful. Yes, its horrible. Is its going to change and are people all over the publishing world suddenly going to start listening to common sense and help guide people’s moral compass? Probably not. So what do we do? 1. DON’T read it. Don’t buy it. 2. Be vocal. Use the conversations that come up about these tabloids to reinforce to people how those negative messages impact us , and banned together with others to condemn those lies. Maybe that person will stop buying them too. Maybe they won’t. ut you planted the seed, and thats what WE have the power to do.

Chatter4: Thanks for answering my question. I agree 100% with what you said!

Chatter5: At what point in your life did you realize that you had a serious problem with eating?

Kirsten: I was about 14 when I realized I didn’t behave around food normally… but at that point, I wanted to. I wanted to be different, I wanted to diet, I wanted a disordered relationship with food, and I wanted people to notice. It wasn’t until I felt the physical and emotional consequences of starving one’s body that I realized I was sick, and not strong.

Chatter6: Kirsten, can you talk a little about the pressure you felt when you were competing in beauty pageants and how you overcame them? I can’t image how hard it would be, everyday pressures are bad enough

Kirsten: Pageants could have been triggering, absolutely. But ballet was the main factor in my developing anorexia, having danced 6 days a week since the age of 3, and being very set on doing anything I could to become a professional ballerina. In order to fully recover, I had to remove myself from that world and that body ideal (very boy like figure), and sacrifice that love, that dream. I decided to compete in the pageant after I was healthy, and only for the purpose of scholarship, NOT expecting to win! I did though… at 17, and just kind of went along with it. For me, the Miss America program wasn’t about a goofy pageant night, or crown, but about the microphone and the opportunities it provided to get a message across… which then when I won Miss Michigan at 18, and Miss America at 19… I felt very blessed to do. But all very unexpected. And the swimsuit competition wasn’t triggering for me, it actually helped me to remember to respect my body, not appear as a walking eating disorder, and to celebrate my femininity, rather than strive for the ballet ideal. It actually helped me.

Chatter7: What was the first step you took when deciding that you needed to get help?

Kirsten: I didn’t take the 1st step. Well, I may have subconsciously, in that I kept asking my mom when I’d look in the mirror, don’t I look great? Mom? Do I still look fat?… crying out for help. My mom took me to see our pediatrician, against my will, and boy, did I HATE her that day!!! But he recommended us to an eating disorders specialist at a hospital nearby. Upon meeting with her I was given the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and set up with a psychologist and nutritionist (my treatment team) to get on a path toward recovery.

Chatter3: so now how do you maintain recovery when you have to fly all over the place with your schedule and don’t always have your family or treatment team nearby? How do you cope? 

Kirsten: Oh my year was NOT easy at all. But it was good to learn how to make the right choices when you have absolutely NO control over your food, or when you get it. You have to prepare. You have to think in advance. Its a challenge because you don’t want to have to think about food all the time, but you have to in a way, because you have to put your recovery first. I remain in close communication with my nutritionist who helps me with ideas about snack and options at hotels and airports… and she is also an amazing person to talk to. It was a challenge, but it also gave me so much freedom, because it wrested CONTROL out of my hands completely… which actually, can be nice. When you really have no choice, you have no choice but to go with the flow. And when you do that, and your life doesn’t suddenly explode… you realize… hey!? I can chill out more often!

Chatter1: and did you tell your friends and relatives about it right away?

Kirsten: My family were the ones that helped me realize I was sick, and my parents, both being nurses, were very understanding.  My friends suspected… but other than two friends who were simultaneously struggling with eating disorders, no I did not tell them right away. Actually, that’s why some of the greatest healing came with competing at Miss Oakland County… because I had to choose a platform. When friends, or anyone asked, I had to say, I chose to raise awareness of eating disorders… which is usually accompanied by the question, “Why?” To which I would answer, honestly. That step was HUGE but helped me to heal and be very open and candid about this issue.

webmaster: We have just enough time to eek out one more question or comment before we wrap up for the night…. anyone come on and not been able to get their question out yet?

Chatter3: thanks for being a positive role model - I hope your foundation has great success

Kirsten: Thank you so much! Please check back to the website http://www.kirstenhaglund.org/ for updates!

webmaster: Thank you so much Kirsten for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be with us this evening!

Kirsten: Oh you’re so welcome!! Thanks for having me.

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Published by Kate Clemmer
February 17th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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