Asha Pulliam

Nutrition 11

Disorder eating summary

The article Starving for Acceptance By Margaret Renki Focuses on the danger of child
with anorexia. In the beginning of this article we are introduced to Michele Walker and her 10
year old daughter. Walker soon finds out from countless signs such as mood and social changes
that something is wrong with her daughter. At a trip to a hospital she finds out her daughter has
lost 17 pounds, nearly a quarter of her body weight. Even at the current weight her 10 year-old
daughter at she tells her mom she still feels fat.
The article then goes on to reveal the impact anorexia can have on children not just
mentally but health wise as well. The onset anorexia age use to be 13-17 now it is 10-12. The
health risk such as the brain or other organs not developing correctly,can seriously cause harm
presently or in the future. The article shows the statistics that 42% of kids in 1st -3rd grade wish
they were thinner; 81% of 10 year-old are afraid of becoming fat; 51% of 9 and 10 year-olds say
they feel better about themselves when they are on a diet. It list these as serious red flags.
A good way to reduce or avoid your child becoming anorexic is to become a good role
model according to the article. Other ways are to dont be a food dictator, and to avoid
commenting on other people's weight. Also the article states that another good way to reduce the
risk is to encourage a healthy diet and exercise.
Renki, M. (2009). starving for acceptance. Parenting School Years, 23(6), 72-77.