ots of articles have been written about the impact of waif-thin fashion models upon the eating habits of young women. In particular, the focus has been on whether these unrealistic body images may increase the incidence of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. While criticism has targeted models and fashion magazines, a new study has found that the "hard bodies" depicted in fitness magazines also have a strong impact on young women and their self-image. The effect is strong enough for researchers to state that young women who read health and fitness magazines regularly may be more prone to developing an eating disorder. Some study results: Nearly 80 percent of girls who purged after meals were regular readers of health and fitness magazines. Seventy-three percent of such girl readers used appetite suppressants. About 60 percent of girls who had used laxatives were frequent readers. Those who limited their intake to less than 1,200 calories per day outnumbered those who did not by a two-to-one margin. Reading these magazines doesn't mean a girl is destined to develop an eating disorder. Parents shouldn't be overly concerned unless they also notice warning signs in their daughter's eating habits. To minimize the possibility, try the following suggestions: Be sure your children understand that super-thin models and actresses are not the norm. If you can teach your children to be more critical of the media message, they may be less influenced by it. Put pressure on media -- local and national -- to use models and actresses who look more like everyone else. Help others around you feel good about themselves. Learn to focus on character and appearance traits that do not involve weight issues. © Your HealthStyle, 2002.