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Text reads: The Mysteries of Life with Tim & Moby

Tim: Some of these models are really thin.

Tim: Dear Tim and Moby, my friend has an eating disorder, and I would like to help her. I need to learn more about eating disorders. From, Anonymous

Tim: Thanks for writing in. First of all, if your friend has an eating disorder, you need to make sure she is under the care of a doctor. Eating disorders can be very serious. Without treatment, people who suffer from it can become very sick and even die. And you must tell your parents, your friend's parents, one of your teachers or the nurse at your school immediately.

Moby: Beep.

Tim: It's true, the best way to help your friend is to make sure she gets professional help. An eating disorder is characterized by an extremely unhealthy relationship to food, body and weight.

Moby: Beep?

Tim: There are several kinds of disorders. One of the most common is anorexia nervosa, or more simply: anorexia. Anorexia can affect anyone, but it usually affects girls. Girls tend to become obsessed with being thin. They starve themselves and often exercise way too much.

Moby: Beep?

Tim: Yeah, it's a good idea to watch what you eat, and exercise. But people with anorexia take it to the extreme. Even if they become sickly thin, they’re still convinced that they are too fat and that they still need to lose weight.

Moby: Beep?

Tim: Yes, they certainly become hungry like us, but it's a bit more complicated than that. In fact, eating disorders are largely due to psychological problems. People who suffer from it make their happiness and self-esteem depend on their weight. More often, they want their lives to be perfect, and since they can't control the world around them, they control their weight.

Moby: Beep?

Tim: Well, when your body doesn't get enough fuel, it starts to shut down. Girls with anorexia have irregular or non-existent periods, which is really not good for your health. Sometimes their hair falls out and they develop a kind of down all over their bodies. Their heartbeats slow down and their immune system weakens.

Moby: Beep?

Tim: No, that's different. Another common eating disorder is culimia nervosa, or bulimia. People with bulimia ingest excessive amounts of food uncontrollably, far more than they should. But, to compensate for the excess food ingested, they try to get rid of it artificially. This is called purging. They purge themselves by forcing themselves to vomit, by swallowing laxatives, or by exercising intensely.

Moby: Beep?

Tim: Well, it's harder to guess that a person has bulimia. Unlike people with anorexia, in principle they have a normal weight. But inside, their body begins to deteriorate. People with bulimia suffer from malnutrition and dehydration, and their periods may become irregular. In addition, their stomach acids can damage their esophagus and teeth.

Moby: Beep!

Tim: Doctors aren't quite sure what causes eating disorders, but what is certain is that some people seem to be more prone to them than others. Genetics certainly play a role, because eating disorders are often hereditary. People with eating disorders tend to be high achievers, even perfectionists.

Tim: Most researchers agree that magazine models and television actors, who are sometimes too thin, are very bad role models for young girls and boys. They spread the idea that you can only be beautiful if you are really thin. And that’s absolutely wrong! The good news is that the majority of people with these disorders recover with proper treatment. They learn that beauty isn't a matter of weight or shape, and that they don't need to starve themselves or make themselves vomit to have better self-esteem.

Moby: Beep!

Tim: You, see? There are all kinds of beauties! For example, Moby is perfect as he is. Stop Moby, let me go! Oh!

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