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Eating disorders (by Kevin Hicks) I believe that eating disorders are a major health issue impacting the lives of many sufferers and their families. Traditionally the leading eating disorders have been anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Although the so called obesity epidemic could be put in this category it is treated separately below.

I believe that

• the causes of eating disorders are complex making them difficult to treat, requiring a multifaceted approach
• a holistic approach is needed to improve the lives of present sufferers and to reduce the incidence of eating disorders in the future. This includes
• trying to change societies attitude to body shape and body image
• improving attitudes towards sufferers
• advocating to the health board and government that it is urgent that these programs are adequately resourced
• sufferers who need hospitalisation are treated locally as far as practicable so they can receive support from their friends and family
• sensitive handling of publicity around the so called obesity epidemic (see elsewhere) is needed to ensure it does not worsen the incidence of eating disorders or parents putting their children on fad diets as these would result in even worse public health problems in the future.

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