Does healthy eating programs in schools trigger eating disorders?
I've heard from a former anorexic that she says the healthy eating programs and the banning of chocolates and junk food is wrong as she says "we were taught there are no bad foods". But surely healthy eating helps cut down on obesity but does it also cause eating disorders? What do you think should be done?
Harry
It's not the healthy eating programs that cause eating disorders. It's the person's psychological outlook. As for that one person, she's obviously really attached to her junk, which isn't a bad thing, but it shoudn't lead to anorexia.
babydollbones
I think its great that schools teach about healthy eating and i think it does more good then bad, however i do think they need to be careful about how they teach it.
Children and teens can be very impressionable and if they already have the idea that they should look like the people in magazines then it may only take another few factors to trigger an eating disorder.
I think schools should concentrate on the positive effects of a healthy eating and exercising rather then linking certain foods and body types with negative ideas. for example by describing chocolate and crisps etc. as 'bad food'. Kids can sometimes take this kind of thing too literally and may try and cut out 'bad foods' all together.
I think the main things that need to be taught are nutrition rather then diet (ie dieting) and cooking skills. Also the idea that all food is there to be enjoyed, and can be done so healthily in moderation without feeling guilty!
Sorry for the rather long answer but its a subject i feel rather strongly about.
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