Idols the cause of eating disorders?

[Nikwaa]

I'm doing an investigation into anorexia and other eating disorders focussing on Richey Edwards from the Manic Street Preachers, who suffered from anorexia. Has anyone or do you know anyone who may have been influenced to start losing weight because of Richey?

[bellasasha]

i suffer from bulimia and i have done since i was at school....i dont know much about richey edwards but i know that i got it into my head at a young age that all the celebrities are the "norm" and thats how we should all be

sorry i cant be of help specificly on richey edwards.

[BetsyLou]

Have you read this: http://www.theory.org.uk/manics.htm?

[msemma]

Can I just say I am really pleased than you are looking into male eating disorders, and I'm female. I had anorexia for 6 years from my mid teens, and I don't attribute it to "supermodel" and other magazine ideals, but understand the "idolisation" issues you are talking about. Certain websites currently promote and encourage this view (I am sure you know what I am talking about as I don't want to use the common search term which could encourage others to find them) and are closed down where possible. Think this might be a good tie in to your investigation. Personally, I believe anorexia is something which is triggered off, not created by external factors. Studies have proven certain genetic predispositions, and there are other surprising factors which help to dispel the myth that it is all down to supermodels and magazines. This is something I feel strongly about - yes, eating disorders may well be on the increase because of the media, but they have been around for a very long time, long before Baywatch started - you can manipulate figures however way you want to attribute blame. The rise in male anorexia is a very interesting subject.