How can eating disorders be prevented

The ultimate goal of prevention is to eliminate an individual's restrictive eating behaviour.

Prevention includes:

• Valuing the person
• Educating yourself about your own weight
• Re-evaluating your own beliefs
• Discouraging caloric restriction
• Valuing pleasure in activities and food
• Avoiding remarks about appearance and body shape
• Being wary of media-propagated myths
• Encouraging children not to focus on their appearance
• Keeping a food journal to ensure good routines
• Improving the knowledge of teachers and professionals who work in the health field
• Dividing daily caloric intake between 3 or 4 meals and eating meals at regular times

What should I do if someone I know is anorexic or bulimic?

• Get information and share it
• Express your concern, but do not try to control the person
• Do not be surprised if the person denies the problem
• Encourage the anorexic or bulimic person to consult a professional. Insist if necessary
• Avoid discussions about food
• Do not blame the person
• Be careful not to make comparisons: An ED sufferer's self-esteem is sometimes fragile
• Show empathy: Avoid comments about appearance and behaviour
• Avoid threatening or frightening the person
• Encourage the person to participate in activities unrelated to food
• Let go once the person is in therapy
• Be patient: The duration of the illness can be long and it is unrealistic to hope for an instant recovery
• Get help for yourself: Look for support from your family, your friends or a professional