FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (NewsReleaseWire) July 14, 2010 -- Parents and other role models who are obsessed with weight issues often promote the onset of eating disorders in kids, reports nutrition researcher and FoodSmart Alliance founder Diana Hunter. According to Hunter, continually exposing kids to negative comments about food, body weight and body shape sets the stage for self-introspection and altered eating habits. The problem is compounded when children are also pressured about their own weight. The result can be lifelong health problems, both mental and physical.

Hunter notes that many people don't realize the impact their food-related comments and actions can have on kids. Her goal is to make them aware of the potential for eating disorders at a young age and how they may accidentally be contributing to their development. One of her main concerns is that the problem is growing.

"Hardly a day goes by when I don't hear a mom, teacher, babysitter or older sister talking about how fat they are and how they need to lose weight in front of a younger child," says Hunter. "The sad thing is many of them are not even overweight."

Other actions that can adversely affect kids' views on food and eating include constant dieting, excessive exercising and the continued use of diet aids, though Hunter warns that there are also a variety of closely related external factors to consider.

"Commercials and ads for weight loss plans and products don't help the situation, and neither do ultra-thin models and actresses," she states. "They just put more pressure on kids. Add harassment about weight from other kids to all of these factors, and you've got a recipe for disaster."

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) currently reports that as many as ten million females and one million males in this country are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Symptoms can begin as early as kindergarten.

Hunter, who is currently on national tour, says the number of children who are under ten years of age and have an eating disorder is increasing. During one recent presentation nearly one third of the questions she was asked involved eating disorders in very young females. In each instance a parent was engaged in strict, long-term dieting.

"This topic now comes up everywhere I speak, and with more prevalence," says Hunter. "It's disheartening. This is an area that needs serious attention."

Hunter suggests doing the following to help kids avoid eating disorders:

• Teach kids about good nutrition from the earliest age possible

• Teach kids how to make sound food choices in spite of advertising

• Avoid using food as a form of punishment

• Involve kids in food shopping and preparation

• Foster good eating habits and set a good example

• Avoid making negative comments about food whenever possible

• Promote a positive self image for yourself and your kids

For more information visit FoodSmart.org.

Diana Hunter is an award-winning author and nutritional researcher. She is currently on national tour with her latest award-winning title, FoodSmart: Understanding Nutrition in the 21st Century.

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