ROCHESTER — Dandelions and orchids are flowers that require very different conditions in order to thrive. Dandelions are tough and able to withstand unfavorable conditions. Orchids are more delicate and need a bit more nurturing to flourish. The same could be said for people, including those struggling with eating disorders.
In a recent
study
published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders,
Dr. Leslie Sim
, a Mayo Clinic psychologist, uses the flower analysis as a way to identify and help people who might be struggling with eating disorders. And she adds that these diseases are more complex than many people realize.
“For so long we saw eating disorders as a product of our media, social and cultural influences, and all about body image issues, food, weight and shape,” Sim says. “That’s definitely part of the equation, but now we’re seeing that they are more than that. Eating disorders are a neurobiological condition, as are other mental health issues.”
Watch or listen to the Health Fusion podcast as Dr. Sim discusses her study and offers insight into the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.
Follow the
Health Fusion
podcast on
Apple,
Spotify
and
podcasts. For comments or other podcast episode ideas, email Viv Williams at
vwilliams@newsmd.com.
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Viv Williams hosts the NewsMD podcast and column, “Health Fusion.” She is an Emmy (and other) award-winning health and medical reporter whose stories have run on TV, digital and newspaper outlets nationwide. Viv is passionate about boosting people’s health and happiness by helping them access credible, reliable and research-based health information from top experts. She regularly interviews experts and patients from leading medical institutions, such as Mayo Clinic.
