Abstract
This paper discusses the condition that plagues thousands of people each year, anorexia nervosa. The author examines which populations frequently deal with the disease, the symptoms, the risks, and hospitalization and rehabilitation. The paper looks at the psychology behind this many times fatal eating disorder.

From the Paper:

"American society women are given the message starting from a very young age that in order to be successful and happy, they must be thin. Eating disorders are on the rise; it's not surprising given the value which society places on being thin. Television and magazine advertising show the image of glamorous and thin models are everywhere. Thousands of teenage girls are starving themselves daily in an effort to attain what the fashion industry considers to be the ideal figure. An average female model weighs 23% less than the recommended weight for a woman. Maintaining a weight 20% below your expected body weight fits the criteria for the emotional eating disorder known as anorexia."

Tags:disorder, psychology, society, girls, abna, eating, weight, loss, starvation, behavior, hospitalization

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the obsession that women have about their weight and size. It claims that advertising, social pressure and media all have major roles in fanning this obsession. It provides a history of the fashion industry and show how this too has influenced this phenomena.

From the paper:

"36-24-36? Those numbers might not mean a thing to some, but for many women, they are the hallmark of western society's obsession with weight. Everywhere you look, scantily clothed women with well-defined midriffs are smiling back from televisions, movie screens, magazines, and billboards. The advertising world wants you to believe that these women have it all: they are beautiful, they are thin, and as a result, they are happier than you. While most people would agree that this is certainly not true, a growing number of women are left wondering: Do I have to be thin to have it all?"

Tags:fashion, diet, happiness, model, femininity, appetite, power, sexuality, commercials, beauty, eating, disorders, image

Abstract
The author of this paper defines this life-threatening eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, by examining its general characteristics and issues related to it. The paper studies behavioral and psychological symptoms of the disease and discusses its medical consequences. Finally, treatment and prevention are discussed.

From the Paper
"What makes anorexia nervosa particularly difficult to treat is the fact that many individuals deny they have a problem and resist treatment. Some fear that treatment will involve gaining weight. Recovery from anorexia nervosa, like recovery from any emotional or physical disorder, long, uncertain process that is often filled with bumps. Researchers estimate that of those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 42% recover, 30% improve somewhat, and more than 20% suffer from a chronic eating disorder."

Tags:binging, depression, starvation, medical

Abstract
This paper studies the correlation between media exposure and resulting body image disturbance/eating disorder symptoms in the light of a recent research. It examines the impact and presents some latest developments in research findings in this area especially the concept of internationalization, which was largely ignored in earlier studies on the subject.

From the Paper
"In a media-saturated culture like the one we have in the United States, the influence of media-promoted images on our perception of what is good, healthy, beautiful and desirable has often been discussed and in most cases vehemently criticized. Research indicates that female adolescents are increasingly being subjected to unhealthy body images in print and electronic media resulting in the rise of eating disorders cases. With media presenting us with images of super-thin women who are projected as symbols of success, eating disorders are unarguably on the rise among young women. This is the result of distorted body image or body image disturbance that occurs when people, both men and women, overestimate their body size and harbor chronic thoughts about dieting, weight loss and consumption of fat. Body image distortion leads to unhealthy dietary habits where people start consuming less food with lower nutritional value and as the result suffer from eating disorders including bulimia and anorexia nervosa."

Tags:anorexia, binging, bulimia, disorders, magazines, models

Abstract
The writer of this paper details the symptoms as well as the media's contribution to body dysmorphic disorder, also known as distorted body image. Body dysmorphic disorder has become a tremendous problem in today's society due to the barrage of negative messages sent to women by the media. This paper discusses the effect of the media, in all its forms - television, radio, print advertising, internet, etc., which has an enormous influence on what people deem as attractive in today's society. The unnecessary emphasis the media places on appearance tends to adversely affect the mental and physical health of those it comes in contact with. Body dysmorphic disorder can lead to damaged self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This paper details the manner in which advertisers place heavy emphasis on physical appearance as a means of selling products. Too often in doing so, unnecessary pressure is placed on women to conform to unrealistic and oftentimes, unhealthy standards of beauty.

From the Paper
"Women want someone they can relate to. The Body Shop, a supplier of natural beauty products, offered a much-needed change from the typical message provided by advertisers; "There are three billion women who don't look like supermodels, and only eight who do. The Australian magazine New Woman included a picture of a heavy-set model on its cover recently. This action produced a lot of positive comments from the magazine's female readers. Despite this fact, advertisers threatened to pull their sponsorship. This shows that advertisers know what they are doing when they include a woman whose body is unattainable to society at large."

Tags:body, disorder, dysmorphic, image, media, women, anorexia, marketing, advertising, media, bulimia

Abstract
This paper explains the multiple factors associated with obesity in American children such as environmental, parental and genetics, influence the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The author points out that many obese children many have eating disorders. The paper is presented from the point of view of a professional psychologist.

From the Paper
"There is a significant increase in the incidence of obesity in the American population according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alarmingly, this problem affects more children each day. There are many reasons for this. Among them are diets high in fat, sugar and calories, combined with a sedentary lifestyle among many Americans including children. Marianne Hurst writing for "Education Week" suggests that many overweight children may have eating disorders. This may be the reason of their abnormal weight gain. One of these eating disorders is ..."

Tags:Childhood obesity, causes, cures, role of parents, schools, communities, government, health factors, causes of compulsive overeating

Abstract
Throughout the literature it has been noted that prevalence rates of BN within Australia fall within the 1-3% range for women meeting diagnosable criteria within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). This paper explores and critically reflects on the treatment orientations of cognitive behavioural therapy and a psychodynamic approach. The outcomes and underlying mechanisms driving these orientations are explored with personal preferences and frameworks of the author being expressed at the cessation.

From the Paper
"Core assumptions of Bulimia Nervosa (BN) from a Cognitive-Behavioural perspective surround its precise pathology (ie. the clinical features from which it is diagnosable) and that which maintains such pathology. Clinical features and those, which maintain them, are the formulation upon which treatment is based and executed. Fairburn, Marcus and Wilson (1993) specify these cognitive and behavioural factors which maintain BN, as being low self esteem, extreme concerns about shape and weight, dietary restraint (ie. restriction of food intake), binge eating, and compensatory behaviours (such as vomiting and/or laxative use). Figure 1 depicts a schematic representation of their cognitive-behavioural model (as depicted by Fairburn, Marcus and Wilson, 1993)."

Tags:anorexia, behavioural, bulimia, cbt, cognitive, disorders, eating, psychodynamic, therapy

Abstract
This paper traces feminist concern over female body image, citing the various problems associated with it. The author takes issue primarily with our society's obsession with thinness and eating disorders. The paper then considers the feminist response to female body image issues, which include an acute scrutiny of the media. The author concludes by advocating feminist political action and unity.

Outline

The Feminist Concern with Female Body Image
The Feminist Response to Female Body Image Issues

From the Paper
"Feminists also think that certain issues cannot be addressed by men because they are related to the biological experience of being a woman, especially the new concerns about child-bearing and the symbolic significance of the female body that emerged with new reproductive technologies (Goslinga-Roy, 2000). Specific to women is also the issue of their sexuality, a great part of it being shaped by physiological differences. Biologically condemned to the passive role, feminine flesh cannot be altered at will (whereas the aggressive role of the male exposes him less to be gazed at) and is judged upon its inert qualities."

Tags:gender, women, beauty, anorexia, diet

Abstract
Obesity is a major problem in America. Children are becoming obese and this will lead to obesity as an adult. Obesity can lead to serious disease in children such as diabetes. It is time that America take action and stop obesity in children.

Tags:obesity, in, children

Abstract
This paper examines studies which deal with trying to find both the psychological and physiological symptoms of anorexia. It focuses on how anorexia sufferers deal with the issue of stress and their response to it.

From the Paper
"Characterised by a denial of food, Anorexia Nervosa is a nervous disorder primarily centered on a distorted body image (eg. they see themselves as overweight when infact they are below average body weight for their height). This disproportionate perception of themselves interferes with their normal everyday functioning through regimented diets, extreme exercise and in some instances purging (Rosenweig et al, 2002). Other psychological symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) include an intense fear of weight gain and refusal to maintain a normal body weight. These psychological symptoms are magnified by physiological symptoms such as low blood pressure, potential heart damage, weight loss of approximately twenty five percent, and in women amenorrhea (inability to menstruate) (Davison & Neale, 2001). With a higher frequency in females than males (ten to fifteen times) anorexia is a devastating disorder that can sometimes result in death. Although anorexia has an unclear etiology risk factors do include family conflict, sexual disturbances and stress; however, these are entirely correlational to onset (Davison & Neale, 2001)."

Tags:eating, disorder, symptom