Baltimore, MD – Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn explains why this potentially deadly illness is now getting greater focus from Baltimore’s Jewish community.
About 10 million women in the United States suffer from eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
Local leaders want more attention focused on how problems with food affect the Jewish population.
Dr. Stephen Crawford of Sheppard Pratt says eating disorders can be particularly shameful in the Orthodox community.
“A lot of times there’s concern if some individual has been identified as someone with an eating disorder that they may not be recognized in the community as someone eligible for marriage,” said Crawford.
Pamela Kessler, a mother of three, struggled with a negative body image as a teen and doesn’t want her daughters to have the same experience.
“It was a constant preoccupation. No matter what I was doing, I was thinking about it and worrying about it. Do I look good? Am I thin enough? Why am I this size and not that size?” said Kessler.
To promote healthy self esteem and body image in the Jewish community, experts at Sheppard Pratt are holding a free program Sunday. Interactive workshops will focus on recognizing the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and helping people create a healthier relationship with food.
Read more atEatingDisorder.org
Tags: Diet, Eating Disorder, Health, Jewish Community