(ARA) - No force exerts more power on how girls perceive their bodies and their relationship with food than the examples set by their own mothers, research and countless examples show.

Some of you are mothers; all of you had one. What did you learn about food, eating and weight from your own mother and what is your daughter learning from you? How and why do you eat the way you do and how can you prevent your daughter from repeating your mistakes?

Eating disorder treatment specialist Carolyn Costin, clinical director and founder of the Monte Nido Treatment Center, says that modern culture may send some women and girls the message to feed and nurture others, but not themselves.

"Because of the undue emphasis placed on appearance, females come to view their bodies as instruments to be used in the pursuit of approval from others and as sources of personal pride," Costin says. "This can, however, lead to them experiencing their bodies as a source of disapproval, failure and psychological pain."(Read Full Article)