Almost Anorexic

Millions of men and women struggle with disordered eating. Some stand at the mirror wondering how they can face the day when they look so fat. Other over-exercise, binge, or purge. Many skip meals, go on diet after diet, or cut out entire food groups. Still they are never thin enough. While 1 in 20 adults have experienced full-blown anorexia, at least 1 in 20 has exhibited some of the key symptoms. Many suffer from the effects of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, but most never address the issue because they don't fully meet the diagnostic criteria. If this is the case for you, then you may be what we call "almost anorexic." Drawing on the latest research, this groundbreaking book combines a psychologist's clinical experience with a patient's personal recovery story. Almost Anorexic will give you the skills to understand the symptoms of almost anorexia; determine if your (or your loved one's) relationship with food is a problem; gain insight on how to intervene with a loved one; discover scientifically proven strategies to change unhealthy eating patterns; learn when and how to get professional help when it's needed. Jennifer J. Thomas, PhD., is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard medical School, and on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital specializing in eating disorders. Jennifer Schaefer is an internationally known author and speaker whose work has helped change the face of recovery from eating disorders. Her books include Life without Ed and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me. The Almost Effect Series? presents books written by Harvard Medical School faculty and other experts who offer guidance on common behavioral and physical problems falling in the spectrum between normal health and a full-blown medical condition. These are the first publications to help general readers recognize and address these problems.