Statistics show 81 percent of 10 year-olds are afraid of being fat, while 72 percent of 7 year-olds are dieting

May 24 2004

Statistics show 81 percent of 10 year-olds are afraid of being fat, while 72 percent of 7 year-olds are dieting. Research also indicates that young girls would rather be dead than fat. In the U.S., the number of children with eating disorders and related issues continues to increase.

Remuda Ranch, Programs for Anorexia and Bulimia, the leading treatment facility for women and girls suffering from anorexia, bulimia and related issues, today opened a new treatment facility specifically for girls under age 13. "At Remuda Ranch we have seen an alarming increase in the number of pre-adolescent children with eating disorders," said Marian Eberly, vice-president of patient care services at Remuda Ranch.

"Today, the treatment available for children with eating disorders is found mostly in hospital settings. At our new children's center, we provide a comprehensive inpatient program that will make a lasting impact on these young lives." Remuda Ranch will be one of five inpatient programs for children in the nation, but the only center offering young girls a non-institutionalized setting for treatment.

Each patient will receive treatment from a multi-disciplinary team including a psychiatrist, primary care provider, psychologist, master's-level therapist, family therapist, dietitian, registered nurse, and educator. There will be a strong emphasis on working with the entire family during therapeutic visits. In order to ease the family's distress and the patient's separation anxiety, Remuda Ranch will offer four family visits in addition to its Family Week program.

The center believes family interaction is crucial to recovery for young girls with eating disorders. "Our hope is to effectively treat children with their specific needs in mind," adds Eberly. Remuda Ranch staff working at the 16-bed treatment center have all been specifically trained to work with children.

The program will be 60 days in length and will be offered in addition to the already established inpatient programs treating adult women and adolescent girls.

http://www.remuda-ranch.com