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Expert Q&A

	By Eve Eliot Eating Disorder Expert

I'm looking for scholarship for my child to go to a weight loss camp cause I cannot afford the camps on my own. I'm a single mother with two teenage girls, and I'm trying my best to keep them happy but my youngest one is not because she is overweight. We are from New Orleans, and the rent is crazy down here. During Katrina my youngest child has gained about 50 pounds, and not just that, she says she has no life. What should I do?

I can well appreciate your concern for your daughter. However, let me reassure you that sending her to a weight loss camp is by no means the solution I would recommend in any case, as such camps might produce a small loss of weight during the interval your daughter is there, but in most cases, the camper returns home to the same cravings and habitual patterns of food intake and the weight is either quickly regained, or no more is lost and no new habits are established.

For a new habit to be established, there needs to be a) at least 90 days of consistent new behavior and b) the environment must support the continuance of the new behavior.

That you live in New Orleans is part of the problem I think, and not only because the rents are high and there is anxiety in your family about finances. The culture of New Orleans is quite food-oriented! There is such an emphasis of food that it is not "normal" to eat sparingly. This is a very difficult challenge especially for a young person growing up in a culture where Barbie is so worshipped.

So here is what I recommend: Explore what it is that you think might be driving your daughter's compulsion to overeat. It might be post-Katrina trauma, in which case I would certainly encourage you to suggest to her that she talk to a guidance counselor at her school to find a way to help her integrate that fearful experience. Post-Katrina trauma alone would be a sufficient motive for your daughter to defend again emotional overwhelm with the most available "drug" of all, food. She might have anxiety about friendships. It might be that she does not spend enough time quietly alone. Many young people are over-stimulated in school and at home, with computer games and TV and cell phones so constantly available.

Make sure the eating habits of the entire family are healthful and supportive of an appropriate weight, not only for your daughter, but for all family members.

Take a look at the amount of refined foods, particular refined flour products being used in the family. Are there lots of fried foods?

As you can see, a weight loss camp would be only a temporary measure. We need to help your daughter find a new relationship with food by exploring ways to help her find a new relationship to intense emotions.

I send love and encouragement,
Eve Eliot

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