Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Eating Disorders. Edited by Vigi Wagner. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 1 vol. 244 p. $36.20. ISBN 978-0-7377-3348-8.

Ads on television featuring two actresses competing for weight loss attention and selling the product which has helped both of them lose a great deal of weight are only one of many designed to make the public address obesity and take on a weight loss program. Models on runways bring further attention to the "thinner is better" mentality which may influence the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. This and another disorder, bulimia nervosa, are discussed in "Are Eating Disorders a Serious Problem?", "What Causes Eating Disorders?", "What Role Does the Internet Play in Eating Disorders?" and "How Should Eating Disorders Be Treated?" The issues debated include cultural obsession with thinness as harmful or not harmful, Pro–Ana Web Sites as dangerous or valuable, and can anorexics be treated involuntarily or should they have the right to refuse treatment. Your health teachers may use this to discuss the issue of obesity and to have students recognize the facts surrounding eating disorders and to be able to debate these issues.