Magazine Review

FIRST PAGE:
There is no hiding from serious issues this week with a documentary about body issues, mainly anorexia. Documentaries do all seem to be about teenagers nowadays, but it’s educating for parents, teachers, younger children and obviously teenagers themselves. Concentrating mainly of 15 year old Lucy Smith, this documentary educates through the use of statistics, stand up comedians, interviews, anorexia tv awareness adverts and lots more. This documentary concentrates mainly on the female side of anorexia but still talks to boys that are not confident with their bodies.

A review from Tom Palmer, 18, said ‘I was actually very apprehensive before watching this because I think the whole subject around anorexia is very graphic and emotional but throughout the documentary I was totally engrossed by the way that it approached the subject.’


No one is supposed to ‘enjoy’ this documentary because a serious illness, like anorexia is not supposed to be enjoyed. But just because it won’t be enjoyed, why should you not watch it? You’re showing interest and support in the subject. This means a lot to people. It’s good to have a little cry at TV, yes it can be embarrassing but atleast this isn’t crying and some drama that isn’t real. This is a real life documentary that is supposed to attract your attention, concern you and educate you.

Will you give it a go, learn something? Or are you going to carry on ignoring serious issues in the world?


Three interesting facts about
anorexia:
1. Some anorexics wear a red bracelet to help other anorexics identify them, sort of like how people will wear a certain color a certain day
2.Anorexics personify their disorder, calling it 'Ana'. This style means they can talk while in public minus sounding suspicious.
3.Anorexics grow lanuga, a furlike covering, on their body which help store heat that they lose.

How is it identified?
Body weight is maintained at least 15% below that expected for a person's height. It is self-induced weight loss caused by avoiding fattening foods and may involve taking excessive exercise, using laxatives or self-induced vomiting. Those suffering from anorexia pursue a very low 'ideal' weight.

SECOND PAGE:

As was mentioned earlier, Lucy Smith, 16, is the person that is mostly concentrated on in this documentary. As the documentay was filmed a year ago now, we have interviewed Lucy again to see how she is doing now.
Are you happy that you will be starring on TV?
Yes I am, because I can look back at it and feel proud that I am now better. Also, I might be famous! Ha!
You said you’re proud of yourself. Do you think all your friends and family are also proud?
Well I do hope so, it took me long enough to get better! But I am sure they are, it would be  weird if they weren’t because I can’t imagine anyone wanting somebody to be anorexia, it’s a horrible thing to wish on somebody.
Is there anything you feel uncomfortable about being shown on the documentary?
Yes! I hate the picture that they show (not going to spoil anything!) I look so ill, I’m glad I’m not like that anymore. I guess it will hopefully raise awareness to people as it is so shocking!
Would you advise people to watch the documentary?
Of course I would. It will really educate people, and it will be good to have more people educated on the illness because it will help people understand what it is like for anorexics.
What are you doing now? What are your future plans?
I have recently started sixth form, I am retaking a few of my GCSE’s and then I plan to do Alevels. I hope to go to university in a few years time.
Are you worried about the illness coming back and distracting you from your education again?
Yes of course I am worried because it is a mental disorder that could reoccur at any time. But I have so much support and I am trying to leave it in the past. So fingers crossed, I hope it doesm’t as I want to get on with my life and have a good career!