The Hidden Story of Eating Disorders

“A 2009 study by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project found that between 1999 and 2006, the number of kids 12 and under admitted to a hospital for eating disorders increased by an enormous 119 percent.” This thoughtful book introduces readers to the human drama behind the statistics. It explains the three main types of eating disorders—anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating—and their many causes and effects. It also emphasizes the importance of finding help but doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties sufferers face along the path to recovery (“People with eating disorders . . . no longer recognize what normal eating is. They need . . . to relearn how to eat for health and well-being.”). Photos and text boxes appear on every spread, and numerous stories about real adolescents ensure that the book never feels too removed from readers’ lives. “Breaking News” boxes, citing research and statistics, run across the bottom of most pages. Back matter includes a glossary, book and Internet sources for further information, a link to publisher-selected Web sites, and an index.