With Eating Disorders Awareness Week just passed we have been asked by Laura Shay to let you know about her recent research.

Laura has been working on a guide for parents of children and adolescents who suffer from eating disorders.

Shay writes “Up to 24 million people of all ages and genders in the U.S. have eating disorders, which have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified) are more common in women than men, though studies have shown that men often fail to get the support they need out of a misconception that these disorders are ‘a female thing’. If your loved one has just been diagnosed with an eating disorder, there are many steps you can take to ensure that they recover. Increase your awareness of the nature of eating disorders, find a good team which may comprise a doctor, nutritionist and therapist, and above all, do not blame yourself or your loved one; eating disorders can arise from many causes, including genetics and other illnesses and disorders. Be patient and expect a few setbacks along the way; treatment will take at least six months, though with your support and the right therapy, your loved one will surely recover and build a much more positive relationship to food.

You can read it here: http://www.bulimia.com/topics/for-parents-and-families/ ”