Sir, - Susie Orbach's publisher, Penguin, plans to run a publicity campaign next year in conjunction with the release of her next book, declaring that there is a "public health emergency" of anorexia and bulimia, which are the current "principal health problem" for Western women (Kathryn Holmquist, September 19th).
Am I being cynical to think that this has more to do with selling books than with any real health crisis? A casual glance down the high street of any Western town or city will confirm that obesity far outstrips anorexia or bulimia as a cause of ill health.
If there is a public health emergency, it is a result of overeating, not undereating. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Andrew Leary, Headview, Lismore, Co Waterford.