I Will Accept Myself As I Am

By: A.G.

Isabelle Caro was a French model. She died at 28-years-old. Caro became anorexic at the age of 13. Before she died she came out with a book called The Little Girl Who Didn’t Want to Get Fat which chronicled her battle with anorexia.

For some who don’t know what anorexia is, it is a mental disorder that makes people starve themselves in order to be as thin as possible. People with anorexia are very picky with their food.

People who are anorexic do not get much nutrition and lose a lot of weight and can get very sick. Even though people with anorexia are very skinny, when they look themselves in the mirror they still think that they are “huge.”

Some symptoms of anorexia include continuous dieting, sensitivity to cold, and hair loss. A good way to treat and prevent anorexia is to educate people about healthy eating. Healthy foods are not just eating fruits and vegetables.  Protein and fat are also essential.

First Lady Michelle Obama is actively involved in a program called “Let’s Move!” which focuses on a healthy living for children and families.

Some tips to eat healthy: 

• Do physical activities such as jumping jacks and cut back on computer and television time. 
• Try new fruits and veggies!  In fact learn more about the food that you eat.   
• Drink lots of water and less sugary drinks like soda. 
• Try to go bike riding with your friends at least once a week.

If you know somebody who is suffering from anorexia please help go see a therapist. Seeing a doctor can help them find ways to stop this harmful behavior because anorexia will hurt them sooner or later.

 May Isabelle Caro rest in peace. She tried her best to get better and educate people about the harms of anorexia.

If you think you might have an eating disorder make sure you talk to a trusted adult, a UAI social worker, or any Girls Inc. or Carrera staff member to get help!

For more information about Let’s Move visit http://www.letsmove.gov/