BBC HEADROOM: Desperately Hungry Housewives
BBC Headroom’s campaign tackling the psychological issues surrounding conditions such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity concludes on screen tonight as Desperately Hungry Housewives shows that it’s not just teenagers who suffer from eating disorders, but increasing numbers of older women, too.
In addition to the campaign’s three documentaries, Headroom – the BBC’s health and well-being initiative – provides a raft of advice and support about eating disorders on the Headroom website, distributes information to doctor’s surgeries around the country and provides an action line to help those affected by the issues raised.
In Desperately Hungry Housewives, Jane, Zoe, Tracey and Giorgia talk frankly and movingly about how anorexia and bulimia have affected their lives and families. With seemingly successful and settled lives, these women are battling with food behind closed doors as they struggle with the fallout from eating disorders. Fifty-four-year-old Jane has suffered from anorexia and bulimia for more than 30 years and is trying to keep her weight at a healthier level; 36-year-old Tracey is desperate to stop her cycle of binging and vomiting; Zoe, 36, is in recovery from severe anorexia but still struggles with unhealthy thoughts about food; and Giorgia would like to lose weight after having a baby without spiralling back into full blown anorexia.
“One day I’d like to be able to think that I could eat birthday cake and enjoy those sorts of experiences with the boys, and with the family, feel normal and not get stressed out about it,” says Giorgia. “But, at the moment, I know that it’s not something I’d be able to allow myself to do and that’s just something that I have to accept.”
Tuesday 28 April
10.35-11.35pm BBC ONE
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my daughter has been anorexic since she was 17 years of age she is now 34 has held down a good job has a son of 13 husband of 15 years over the years we ve tried to get the help for her but as shes an adult cannot do so unless she asks she has gone rock bottom once again i begged her to go to doctors she s been but says everything is alright its not she must be under 5 stone and her bones are sticking out everywhere she has also got osterporisis please can u help
I’ve just watched the end of “fix my fat head” and wonder if programme discussed overeaters anonymous – the 12 step recovery programme for people who eat compulsively.
I watched all three of these programmes but was particularly interested in the anorexia/bulimia programme as I have suffered from one of these illnesses for over 20 years. Although I am currently having counselling it is something that will be overcome over a long period of time. My family watched it and it particularly helped my father, who has struggled to understand it. It helped him understand that “normal, intelligent” people suffer and who, themselves, do not understand why they do this self destructive thing. I really think more of these programmes should be available as it helps awareness of what is going on in this secretative, but horrific world of eating disorders.
I have suffered with eating disorders on and off since I was 13. I’m 31 this summer. I have been thru a wide range of therapies and have had a very positive experience with psycho-dynamic therapy. I recently decided to write a book of my experiences, in the vain attempt to get a personal account out into the world, in order that it might help someone who is desperate (as I have been so many times) to realise that there is a way out, but it is hard work. Quick fixes don’t really exist with eating disorders. If anyone would like to contribute their experiences to this I will credit them (if they wish) or they can remain annoymous. I feel that eating disorders are talked about, but because of the shame that is associated many sufferers are never truely candid.
My email address is kattwilkinson@hotmail.com. Please feel free to email me any comments or opinions/experiences.
Thanks in advance
Kat