BARTON EMERSON

While these initial questions may indicate a potential eating disorder, they do not necessarily point toward an individual who is a victim of one. Many of the early questions in the BSQ could simply be reflective of normal or slightly hyper sensitivities to body image. However, there are several questions that are blatant in their indication of an eating disorder or substantial psychosis. Questions such as "Have you vomited in order to feel thinner?" and "Have you taken laxatives in order to feel thinner?" are the crux of the Body Satisfaction Questionnaire. These are the questions that, in all actuality, could potentially save a life.

Perhaps if educators and those who work with young people were educated in the symptoms of eating disorders and even given access to and training in the BSQ, the instances of anexoria nervosa and bulimia nervosa would decline. As an evaluation tool, the BSQ is a positive first step in diagnosing eating disorders or in alerting doctors of an individual's potential for an eating disorder.

Were this tool placed in the right hands, young people who are at risk of having an eating disorder could possibly be identified early on, thus, limiting the long term damage that is often incurred. At the very least, educators and those working with young people could be given an abbreviated version of the BSQ as well as intensive training in evaluating behavior and identifying symptoms or a potential for eating disorders. When there is a team atmosphere and professionals are working together to combat eating disorders, great strides can be made in identifying patients early. With the Body Satisfaction Questionnaire as a key component, lives can be saved.

Those failsafe items everyone wishes they had more of in their wardrobe don't need to be an unattainable dream if you shop cleverly and dress to suit your body shape. Dresses are an easy one garment outfit that will stand you in good stead whether in the workplace, sipping cocktails or simply shopping.

The first step in dressing to suit your body is working out what shape you actually are and then choosing clothes and accessories that best accentuate your assets.

Apple and pear shaped bodies are among the most common, so lets start with them. If you have what's known as an apple shaped body, your top half will be larger than your bottom. Apple shapes tend to store fat around the abdomen, stomach and chest and have relatively slim legs. The secret here is to avoid figure hugging garments as these will further accentuate your midsection and this is the area you may want to avoid drawing attention to.

The items you should make a beeline for include trousers and skirts that are straight. Go as short as you dare with skirts and dresses as your legs are your best assets and should be shown off! Avoid very fitted tailored items and take inspiration from the stars; Elizabeth Hurley and Oscar winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones are both famous apple shaped celebrities who always look their glamorous best and know what glad rags suit them the most.

The pear shape is another of the most common body shapes in the UK and is easily identified by hips that are wider then your shoulders; think Kristin Davis and Jennifer Lopez. Hourglass Figures for everyone ?, Hourglass Figures for everyone ?, Hourglass Figures for everyone ?