readolescents are also susceptible. Research over the last two decades has helped us recognize that disordered eating and the more severe eating disorders result from complex interactions among genetic predisposition, personal psychology, family dynamics and sociocultural influences. Several recent studies have added to the evidence that these disorders have some basis in brain chemistry and may be inherited. In one, women who had recovered from bulimia nervosa showed higher levels of byproducts of the brain chemical serotonin. Three other studies confirm that the disorder occurs in some families at rates much higher than in the general population. Still, no one completely understands why or how disordered eating arises in certain people. This frustrates our efforts to predict who is at greatest risk for these conditions or to reliably prevent their occurrence. The Australian study gives us an important clue. Whatever the underlying factors are, severe dieting seems to be an important gateway to the development of these conditions in teens. So identifying dieting teens becomes an extremely useful strategy in offering earlier intervention to those at high risk. We know that early intervention improves the prognosis for disordered eating. And it is at least plausible (though not proven) that by preventing dieting behavior altogether, we might be able to interrupt the pathway by which these conditions develop. Sadly, we know that dieting behavior sometimes begins as young as 6 or 7 years of age. By middle school, most girls say they've dieted at least once. So what can be done? Emphasize "healthy" bodies. The goal should be fitness, not thinness. Praise kids for the things they do, rather than for the way they look. Don't diet yourself. Commit to lifelong healthy eating, rather than quick-fix diets. If a child insists on dieting, insist that the diet be medically supervised. Get rid of the scale. Prepare kids, especially gir...
