Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One¹s Eating Disorder and How You Can Help

by Tony Paulson Ph.D., Johanna Marie McShane Ph.D.

Overview

Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses that often make no sense to family and friends. But to the person involved they make a lot of sense, and are, in fact, a way of coping with life.

Sprinkled with over 100 quotes from recovering individuals, Why She Feels Fat explores eating disorders from the inside out to convey the emotional experience and perspectives of those who have them. Decoding the deeper meaning of the statement “I feel fat” is at the heart of this simple and straightforward book that also includes basic information about eating disorders, such as signs, symptoms, medical complications, causes, approaches to treatment, and stages of recovery.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780936077291
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	01/28/2008
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     v
Introduction     vii
Understanding Their World
The Basics of Eating Disorders: Bingeing, Purging, Starving: What's the Difference?     15
The Causes of Eating Disorders: Why Did This Happen?     31
Beyond the Symptoms: What Do Her Behaviors Mean?     41
Hearing Their Words
Understanding Anorexia: In Their Own Words     55
Understanding Bulimia: In Their Own Words     69
Supporting Their Recovery
Treatments for Eating Disorders: Where Do We Go From Here?     93
The Phases of Recovery: What Should We Expect?     109
Supporting Her Recovery: How Can I Help?     133
Helpful Organizations     145

Editorial Reviews

“Like never before, this book takes readers into the mind of someone with an eatingdisorder and explains the unexplainable. It is an essential resource for all families and friends.”
— Jenni Schaefer, author of Life Without Ed

“Why She Feels Fat is written specifically so that loved ones can better comprehend what is behind an eating disorder. From understanding medical issues to grasping why a person with anorexia says she ‘feels fat,’ this book is a welcome addition to the field.”
— Carolyn Costin, author of The Eating Disorder Sourcebook

“This book gives the all-important perspective of the sufferer. When read with an open mind and heart, it brings to friends and family alike much needed understanding and guidance.”
— Doris Smeltzer, author of Andrea’s Voice: Silenced by Bulimia

From the Publisher