Age 43

I am a mother of a teenage daughter. I watched my 5’5” child waste away to 70 pounds and felt completely helpless. I felt as though I failed my daughter. I knew I had to get her help or she would die. After seeing an eating disorder specialist, my daughter is now on the mend and regaining her health. She still has her struggles and faces many challenges, but I now see that recovery for my daughter is possible.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 24 - March 1, 2008

In the United States, as many as 10 million females are battling - often silently - with eating disorders. Society's emphasis on physical beauty has created an overwhelming pressure to remain thin in an attempt to obtain the "perfect body" (by any means possible). Due to the shame associated with eating disorders, many cases go unreported although treatment is available and recovery is possible. An eating disorder is a very real illness with serious, dangerous consequences. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Share your story.

For more information, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.

Age 17

In middle school I remember being happy. No one talked about their weight or their body. I am now in high school and the girls at my school are constantly criticizing their bodies and the bodies of others. There is always talk of this girl throwing up, or that girl not eating, or another sneaking into an unused classroom to do another 100 sit-ups. It’s almost like a sick competition. It’s become more of a struggle to feel OK about yourself. Before high school, I thought I looked alright. Now I’m just trying to fit in with the rest of the girls. It’s like we all strive to look like the other and I don’t even know why.

Age 15

I am terrified of gaining weight.

Age 35

I have gone through my entire life hating my body. No more. Now, I don’t just accept the body I was given, I love the body I was given. This body created and birthed three beautiful children. Seeing what my body can create has made me love my body. My body created the hearts, minds and bodies of the most precious things in my life. I see myself in my children’s faces and that makes me feel beautiful. I have grown to appreciate my body, my mind and my instincts. I now treat my body well and it treats me well. There is nothing more magical in life than motherhood.

Age 31

I remember going on my first diet at 12. Looking back I don’t think I had to, but for some reason I thought I should. At 12, I became obsessed with food. Food was (and is) always on my mind. I have never been anorexic or bulimic, but my struggle is very real. My weight is a constant up and down battle and I’ve never been happy with my body. There has always been a part of me that I wish was flatter, tighter or leaner. I wonder if I will ever be comfortable in my own skin.

Age 51

Gravity and hot flashes have begun to take their toll, but I still love my body. It is strong and healthy, hasn't failed me yet and has given life and nourishment to three wonderful children. The miracles of the workings of the human body are often taken for granted and shouldn't be. Watch a woman wrestle with news that the pregnancy being carried won't have 10 fingers and 10 toes and one has a new respect for the miracle of conception and embryonic development. Watch that child grow and learn and beat the odds of her birth and prognosis and in the end we are each a miracle in our own right. A few pounds, curves, or lack of either do not form our soul, our heart or our unique contribution to this world we live in.

Age 32

Programming Note

Every Sunday night at 10pm in December, BBC America presents a series of all-new documentaries that take an in-depth, honest and often surprising look at some of the body image issues that people are struggling to overcome in their search for happiness.

Super Skinny Me
476-lb. Teenager
My Small Breasts and I
My Big Breasts and Me
Teen Transsexual

Age 27

Through my eyes, I don't see what you see and that has destroyed our relationship. I'm sorry - I need to stop the cycle.