Body Image

Comparison of an Average Woman in the U.S. with a Barbie Doll and Store Mannequin

 

Average woman

Barbie

Store mannequin

Height

5' 4"

6' 0"

6' 0”

Weight

145 lbs

101 lbs

Not available

Dress Size

11 -14

4

6

Bust

36 - 37"

39”

34"

Waist

29 - 31"

19"

23"

Hips

40 - 42"

33"

34"

Statistics from: Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc (ANRED)  
Recommended Books on Body Image

Runaway Eating: The 8-Point Plan to Conquer Adult Food and Weight Obsessions
Cynthia Bulik and Nadine Taylor (2005)
Addresses an escalating trend of dangerous eating patterns among midlife women, many of whom are struggling with the stresses of menopause, empty nest syndrome, caring for ailing parents, work overload, and cultural emphasis on youth and beauty.

The “Rules” of Normal Eating: A Commonsense Approach for Dieters, Overeaters, Undereaters, Emotional Eaters, and Everyone in Between!
Karen Koenig (2005)
Lays out the four basic rules that "normal" eaters follow instinctively --eating when they're hungry, choosing foods that satisfy them, eating with awareness and enjoyment, and stopping when they're full or satisfied.  Presents a cognitive-behavioral model of change that targets beliefs, feelings, and behaviors about food and eating.

The Anorexia Diaries: A Mother and Daughter's Triumph Over Teenage Eating Disorders
Linda and Tara Rio (2003)
Reveals a mother's and daughter's struggle with an eatingdisorder through excerpts from their actual diaries.

No Body's Perfect: Stories by Teens about Body Image, Self-Acceptance, and the Search for Identity
Kimberly Kirberger (2003)
Helps teenage girls understand they are not alone in their destructive thoughts and behaviors, and encourages them to find help.

Helping Your Child Overcome an Eating Disorder: What You Can Do At Home
Bethany Teachman, Marlene Schwartz, Bonnie Gordic, and Brenda Coyle (2003)
Presents warning signs of eating disorders, offers guidance in understanding their roots, summarizes different theories on why they develop, and gives tips on everything from choosing a particular type of therapy to shopping for groceries.

Bulimia/Anorexia: The Binge Purge Cycle and Self-Starvation
Marlene Boskind-White and William C. White (2001)
Presents strategies to overcome bulimia and anorexia, focusing on ways to strengthen positive attitudes and develop practical coping skills. Also evaluates new therapies and medications.


 

NC Services

UNC Eating Disorders Program
(919) 966-7012

Eating Disorders - Websites Serving North Carolina (NC Health Info)

Links on Body Image

Body Image and Your Health (National Women's Health Information Center)

Information for Girls and Women (National Eating Disorders Association)

Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia (Nemours Foundation)

ANRED - Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders: Psychotherapy's Role in Effective Treatment (American Psychological Association)

Ten Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Eating Disorders (National Eating Disorders Association)

Eating Disorders (MedlinePlus)

 

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