Starved: Mercy for Eating Disorders    by Nancy Alcorn Order:  USA  Can Winepress, 2007 (2007) Paperback     Reviewed by Leslie McKee A recent study shows that more than five million people in the United States - mostly females - suffer from an eating disorder. What often begins with a desire to lose a few pounds spirals into an obsession. It is a coping mechanism used to deal with the pain of daily life and is mainly about control. While the individual may feel as though they are in control, that is not the case. Author Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries seek to help those who suffer from eating disorders with their struggle. Starved is the second book in the Mercy for ... series. There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. They tend to be heavily influenced by the media, the fashion industry and family, as eating disorders can stem from deep emotional, psychological or spiritual roots. There are even Pro-Ana websites, an online community that encourages eating disorders. Pro-Ana sites fail to mention that many magazine photos of women are actually airbrushed. Eating disorders are often used as a means of avoiding unpleasant emotions. Alcorn lists many of the signs/symptoms to watch for. She warns that the long-term physical impact caused by an eating disorder can be deadly. The sufferer is challenged to channel their emotions into prayer, journaling, reading the Bible and Christian counseling. Included are the stories of two girls who explain their struggles with eating disorders. Alcorn encourages parents and others who care to be active listeners, be supportive and foster healthy relationships. She includes several useful prayers and lists some Godly beliefs to lift up the reader. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews