Smart Talk: What don’t you know about eating disorders? (encore)

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, May 7, 2015:

About 30 million Americans, or one tenth of the nation’s population, will suffer from some form of an eating disorder during their lifetimes. That’s according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Although eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are prevalent and lead to some of the highest death rates of any mental health condition, they are poorly understood, often dismissed as a lifestyle choice or a voluntary phase.

However, by age 6, girls start to be concerned about their own weight or shape while 40-60% of elementary school girls are worried about becoming too fat, a concern that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.  Boys and young men aren’t immune, especially those involved in athletics or have been bullied.

This episode of Smart Talk features Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s Physician General and Lynn Patrone, with the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The discussion focuses on the severity and impacts of eating disorders as well as possible preventions, treatments and support systems.