Pressure for kids to lose weight

As kids head back to school, you might be in the process of buying school clothes. For some, what they look like in those clothes can consume their thoughts and overcome their lives. Here's a story from ABC out of Texas:

Being fashion forward can be pretty important when you're in school -- but losing weight to fit in those skinny jeans can be damaging physically and mentally. Young women get a lot of their ideals from what they see and what they read, Last year's West Brook high school cheerleading squad also says pressures can come from their piers.

In wanting that perfect body image some are looking for alternative means of help. After having lap band surgery last November one girl has since lost 68 pounds and says she feels great. Millions of people struggle with eating disorders and the age range is getting younger.

Lap band and gastric bypass surgery are not recommended for those under 18. For more information on eating disorders we have some suggested reading:

Something Fishy.org
Finding Balance.com

I just keep thinking about when I was in high school. I don't remember that many girls being overweight. At least not to the point where they would qualify for surgery. I can't imagine the torment for these girls who have a hundred points or more to lose. High school is hard enough without a weight problem!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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