A REPORT ON THE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF THE COCA-COLA COMPANY’S RETAIL DEPARTMENT
Summary of the article
Prenatal and perinatal factors in eating disorders: A descriptive Review by Anu Raevouri, Milla Linna, and Anna Keski-Rahkonen takes a critical review of the factors that exist before and after birth which influence the presence of eating disorders in human beings. The authors of this article present that there is hard evidence that suggests that several exposures in early development may affect the neural development and may play a role in the development of psychopathologies, which include eating disorders in the future life. The article opines that in Anorexia Nervosa (AN), research in prenatal and perinatal factors began in the 1960s. Still, only a few studies give relevant information about these factors in individuals with eating disorders.
The prenatal risk factor of eating disorders is presented as prenatal sex hormones effects and maternal physical states. The article has also provided markers of prenatal risks in children associated with Anorexia Nervosa as prematurity and small birth size. Child-related markers of prenatal risks like retarded growth and prenatal complications are linked to Bulimia Nervosa (BN). The article also sheds light on the prenatal effects of maternal eating disorders, where the authors allude that women who suffer from eating disorders during pregnancy are at high risk for prenatal complications. These complications, in turn, increase the risk of eating disorder among the offsprings. According to the article, a significant amount of evidence suggests that higher prenatal testosterone exposure increases food intake and masculinizes behavior in offsprings. A higher level of prenatal testosterone may also protect an individual against the development of disordered eating symptoms. Evidence linking prenatal maternal physical appearance to future eating disorders in offsprings is contrasting. The relationship between maternal physical states was shown in one study but has not been demonstrated in other studies.
In perinatal risk factors of eating disorders, the article opines that child-related perinatal challenges linked with future AN includes placental infarction, early cardiac problems, and oxygen administration immediately after birth. Additionally, the article has discussed the effects of obstetric complications as being a factor of increasing the risk of AN. Obstetric complications that were associated with AN include premature rupture of membranes and breech delivery. Under the perinatal effects of maternal eating disorders, the article provides that a parent who suffers from some eating disorder may pass down severe eating restrictions to a child. Some reports suggest that mothers ailing AN may not determine a child’s hunger and may restrict a child’s eating. Positive findings have been reported in studies where perinatal factors and eating disorders have been linked. However, a lack of connection with perinatal factors has been indicated in some other studies. The article presents that twin study by Foley et al., as an example where “no significant association was found between a composite measure of perinatal risk factors and AN, BN or their wider forms.”
Analysis of the article
In general, the article opines that based on the existing evidence, the overall effect of prenatal and perinatal factors on the total risk of eating disorders and disordered eating appears to be minimal. A study attributed prenatal and perinatal factors to the overall risk of AN in hospital diagnosed cases as 3.6%. If there exist early prenatal and perinatal factors, then it is likely that they operate together with other personal or environmental factors, and depending on the sequencing of the risk factors, the results differ. Small impacts of prenatal sex hormones are hard to detect when analyzing disorders like AN and BN, which justifies the lack of association.
Importance of understanding Eating Disorders
Understanding different types of eating disorders and their characteristics is a beneficial way of increasing awareness about these diseases. This aspect enhances preventions, early diagnosis, and treatment of these eating disorders. Since eating disorders are characterized by irregular eating habits and significant concerns about body shape and weight, being familiar with their causes and symptoms increases consciousness and empathy to the affected individuals. This concern is also vital in boosting self-esteem to the individuals suffering from these eating disorders as well as lowering the stigma associated with mental illness. Besides, being knowledgeable about eating disorders help individuals in taking prevention steps like avoiding drug and substance abuse, depression, and anxiety disorders since they coexist with eating disorders. Additionally, knowledge of eating disorders is also significant in the proper planning of exercises and nutrition since the two are useful for good health. Furthermore, it also inspires people to participate in eating disorder prevention campaigns, thus playing a significant role in men and women who are fighting for their lives.
Critique and Application in a Clinical Setting
The article has presented that there is little evidence linking prenatal and perinatal risk factors to eating disorders. However, the article does not provide substantial evidence on why the conclusion is right. The evidence presented in some of the studies indicates that there is a strong link between prenatal and perinatal factors and eating disorders. Besides, the article does not give information on how these eating disorders may be developed in an individual if it is true that the prenatal and perinatal factors do not play a more significant role in the transmission of the disorders. However, the ideas presented by the article may be useful in a clinical setting where information from the article can be used in advising mothers on how to feed their babies, especially at a perinatal stage, to avoid eating disorders. In the Christian world, view, faith, and belief are the critical aspects of beating eating disorders. The Christian point of view, however, allows for spiritual healing that does not necessarily include faith in God. Therefore, the Christian view is that an eating disorder may be treated through guiding and counseling sessions as well as through medication.
Reference
Raevuori, A., Linna, M. S., & Keski‐Rahkonen, A. (2014). Prenatal and perinatal factors in eating disorders: A descriptive review. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(7), 676-685.