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Mary Kate Olsen & Anorexia
Is fame responsibile for Olsen twin's eating
disorder?
It is all over the national news. After a year
of speculation and finger pointing, Mary-Kate Olsen of the
rich and famous young actresses the Olsen Twins, has admitted
to a "health disorder" which has been reported to be anorexia
nervosa.
In it's most basic definition, you know that
it means that Mary-Kate doesn't eat. But what really drives
successful, wealthy, seemingly happy people to self-destructive
types of behaviors and disorders such as anorexia?
What is anorexia nervosa?
The essential features of Anorexia Nervosa are
that the individual refuses to maintain a minimally normal
body weight, is intensely afraid of gaining weight, and exhibits
a significant disturbance in the perception of the shape or
size of his or her body. The individual maintains a body weight
that is below a minimally normal level for age and height.
It probably makes sense after reading the definition.
Mary-Kate is a high-profile actress and has been since she
was 9 months old on television. She feels the pressure from
everywhere to maintain a specific size. But is that the only
factor influencing this outcome?
The Perfect Target
Mary-Kate is actually the perfect person to
fall victim to this eating disorder. She is a high-powered
and very famous celebrity who has been forever linked to her
twin, has recently finished a major motion picture (New York
Minute) that didn't do what was expected at the box office,
and just recently became (along with her sister) responsible
for their billion dollar empire (they just turned 18).
Eating disorders tend to run in families, with
female relatives most often affected. A girl has a 10 to 20
times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa. ( For instance,
if she has a sibling with the disease). Behavior and environment
may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well.
To understand these disorders, scientists have
studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and biochemistry
of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits
common in persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem,
social isolation, and perfectionism. These people tend
to be good students, excellent athletes, disciplined artists
or dancers. Studies show that by focusing on weight loss and
food --the person is allowed to ignore problems that are too
painful or seem unresolvable.
Talk to someone about anorexia at: Hotline #:
(847) 831-3438 Monday through Friday 9am-5pm
Referral: Do you think you have an eating
disorder? Try: The
Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc. - Counseling
for Eating Disorders, Addictions, and Depression
Additional Resources: For more celebrity stories
Click
Here! Lindsay Lohan Fan Club: http://www.lindsaylohan.com
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About the Author:
Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and
an online advice expert. She has been helping people make
smarter life choices since 1998. Visit her for Advice
& Counseling, or take a free
Depression Screening today. Subscribe to the growing self-help
ezine "Better
Choices". Contact info: info@GirlShrink.com
© GirlShrink
Inc. The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications
and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included
intact and the article is not used in spam.
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