Analysis Of The Movie Dying To Be Thin

“Anorexia Nervosa, AN, the most visible eating disorder, is a serious psychiatric illness characterized by an inability to maintain a normal body weight or, in individuals still growing, failure to make expected increases in weight (and often height) and bone density.” (cite textbook) The behaviors and cognitions of individuals with AN adamantly defend low body weight.

In the PBS Nova documentary entitled, “Dying to be Thin”, the audience is introduced to the world of professional dance where incidents of Anorexia almost appear to be an occupational hazard as demands for thinness prevail in the dance world. The film explains that dancer’s tend to be abnormally thin, often 15% below ideal weight, which is the equivalent of an anorexic weight. Today the profession recognizes that this is a deadly psychiatric disorder which leads to numerous health concerns including malnutrition, low blood pressure, Osteoporosis, kidney and liver problems, and

It is difficult to treat if patients don’t gain weight. This documentary film described that fifty percent of individuals will relapse in the first year if normal weight has not be achieved prior to leaving treatment. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team approach. In addition to restriction many patients also increase activity levels. The film also examined individuals that have Exercise Anorexia. In conclusion the documentary pointed out the disorders have links to Anxiety. They stated that Prozac and Paxil have been found helpful in treating patients. They noted that Bulimia is linked to depression. The film also described a research study conducted to examine satiety related to food and CCK Cholecystokinin disturbed digestion in individuals with eating disorders. CCK is a digestive hormone that stimulates fat and protein digestion, and promotes the feeling of satiety. The film also stated that it takes years to fully recover from