Dying to Be Thin: Understanding and Defeating Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia--A Practical, Lifesaving Guide

by Ira M. Sacker, Marc A. Zimmer

In a society that favours a slim body image, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are on the increase. This authoritative and compassionate guide gives families, friends and sufferers themselves the help they need.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Food

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 1987

About the author

Ira M. Sacker, MD has specialized in eating disorders since 1975. Dr. Ira Sacker, a Los Angeles native, graduated from UCLA School of Medicine in 1968. Residency was at New York University Hospital and Bellevue Hospital.

In 1987 was co-author of the groundbreaking book, Dying To Be Thin: Understanding and Defeating Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia - A Practical Lifesaving Guide.

In 2010 his newest book, Regaining Your Self: Understanding and Conquering The Eating Disorder Identity was published.

Currently, Dr. Sacker is Clinical Assistant Professor; Department of Pediatrics NYU Langone Medical Center and Visiting Clinical Professor at Bellevue Hospital Medical Center.

Reviews

[Lenny Husen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have saved this book for lo these 31 years plus for one reason only: the HORRIBLE MOTHER, Sarah, who wrote the chapter about her daughter's battle with anorexia, entitled, "The Picture of Health: Jeanette's Story." This is a brilliant, albeit, unintentional, dreadfully perfect (think, David Sedaris Irony level if it had been fictional) first person account of a mother who describes how she SUFFERED so HARD because of her daughter's illness and how PERFECT she is (the mother, not her daughters). This chapter is why Anorexia exists--because of vile people like this woman. I hated her while I marvelled at her capacity for self-delusion and her complete lack of insight into the role she played in "Jeanette's Story."
Some choice examples of priceless sentences:
"It really didn't matter that she was always a little chubby."
"In fact, before she launched her self-improvement program, I had been thinking of talking to her pediatrician about putting her on a diet, because she is big-boned, and she was putting on weight---a little more each year."
"I felt she would get angry and give up completely if I said she was losing weight the wrong way."
"At first, everyone was impressed with Jeanette's progress. She was so focused, it was incredible."
"Maybe that sounds like a good idea--to wear a belt that reminds you that you've had enough."
"I couldn't help feeling in my heart that I was glad she lost the weight, because she looked beautiful."
Sarah goes on and on about how Jeanette lost too much weight, and caused Sarah so much worry. Finally, with the help of the therapist who wrote the book, Ira Sacker, Jeanette partially recovered and survived.
The capper was this comment about Jeanette's sister, Margaret, Sarah's older daughter, "Now, Margaret is at college and is about 20 pounds overweight. So it never stops. First one, than the other."
Readers of this chapter will understand everything there is to know about why Anorexia happens.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a mandatory read at age 17 when at Baylor Hospital for eating disorder treatment. It gave me a ton of insight but wasn't the life saving guide for me. It wasn't until 17 yrs later that I was able to defeat this paralyzing disorder.

[Jill Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying To Be Thin discusses the serious eating disorders of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. This book teaches about these disorders and also includes stories told by people who have suffered from these disorders. Dying To Be Thin informs the reader how serious and life threatening anorexia nervosa and bulimia can be. It also helps the reader further understand these disorders and what can be done to help someone who is suffering.

Dying To Be Thin includes many first hand accounts from those who have suffered from anorexia nervosa and bulimia. These first hand accounts allow the reader to understand why they became anorexic or bulimic. They also reveal how controlling the thoughts of food can be and how secretive they become in order to hide their obsession with food and losing weight. The serious effects of these disorders are also shared in these first hand accounts and it reveals how life threatening these disorders can be.

This book did not fall short in any areas. It thoroughly explained anorexia nervosa and bulimia and the effects of each disorder. It also explained how the treatment process works and that it can not be fixed overnight. Dying To Be Thin teaches every aspect of these disorders and serves as an excellent source of information about them.

This is not a book that I would normally read, but I am glad that I did. It taught me how eating disorders occur, how people suffering from them feel, and how they are treated. It really opened my eyes to how serious eating disorders can be.

[R M · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mother bought this for me when I was 17 and struggling...I am now 25 and still struggling, it did nothing for me. It was, I suppose, at the time a comfort to know I wasn't the only one going through hell.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and good basic good for family members just acquiring knowledge about this disease.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great informational book for those affected by eating disorders, whether for the person with the disorder or the family members of a person with a disorder.

[Kyla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very complex, but there was one good story.

[Katrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some draggy parts but all in all good stuff in the book.