Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about looking better. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, there can be a dark side to vanity when people compare themselves to impossible and unhealthy ideals.
Recent trends in advertising, modeling and films have focused on extremely thin bodies, and doctors are seeing an impact on their patients. Dr. Stephanie Setliff, a psychologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center who specializes in eating disorders, says she’s seeing younger and younger patients. Often, these young girls have been influenced by images of ultra-thin models and actresses. Parents should be aware of signs of eating disorders in girls as young as 7. Look out for girls who become obsessed with food or exercise, who wear body-concealing clothes, who spend less time with friends or on favorite pastimes, or who make frequent bathroom trips, especially after meals.
Visit www.utsouthwestern.org/mentalhealth to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in mental health.
