Appetite for Life:Inspiring Stories of Recovery from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Compulsive Overeating

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORINDA, CA,-According to recent statistics, eating disorders are a problem that extend well beyond those in their teens and early twenties. Since 2002, the number of women ages 35-55 seeking treatment for an eating disorder has increased approximately 33%.

In the new book, Appetite For Life: Inspiring Stories of Recovery from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Compulsive Overeating, (iUniverse,Inc., ISBN# 0-595-34755-X, 2005), author Margie Ryerson, MS, MFT, provides insight into why women in their 30’s and older suffer from eating disorders. Some of those reasons include:
Midlife anxieties such as stress, finances, marital problems, loss including death of a loved one, divorce, empty nest, aging issues including physical deterioration, self-perceived loss of attractiveness

“Often women seek treatment for eating disorders because they want to be healthy role models for their children, or they are trying to become pregnant and they want to have a healthy pregnancy,” says Ryerson. She adds, “some have had treatment in the past and have relapsed for various reasons, and other women develop eating disorders for the first time at this stage in their lives.”

Appetite for Life gives the reader an up close and personal look at the stories of six women and one man of varying ages and backgrounds who struggled and ultimately recovered from an eating disorder. Several of the stories include older adults such as Nancy, 48, a mother of two who struggled with bulimia for more than 22 years. Nancy was especially motivated to recover because of her children. She was successful after many years of individual and group therapy.

The book also includes the story of Christina, 42, a book editor, married, and a compulsive overeater for 18 years. Christina attended an Ivy League college but never felt smart or successful enough. With the help of therapy, Overeaters Anonymous, and antidepressants, Christina was able to make a complete recovery.

Appetite for Life also provides information on steps to take for those who have an eating disorder as well as basic guidelines to follow if a family member or friend struggles with this problem. Ryerson’s effective approach to this complex health issue proves that it is possible to triumph over eating disorders and live a healthy
happy life.

Margie Ryerson is a licensed marriage and family therapist who lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has over twenty years of professional experience helping individuals and their families recover from the devastation of anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating.

Media Contact:
Miriam Schaffer
Schaffer Communications
925-283-5657
mschaf1031@aol.com