Eating Disorder Awareness & What You Can Do!
“It’s just an eating disorder, it isn't thaaaat big of a deal and that’s a choice he/she makes for themselves.”
Sound familiar?
I am sure if you’re reading this you either have a loved one that has or is still suffering from some kind of eating disorder, or you yourself feel like you may have to do some research and self-reflecting. I am happy you’re here!
Although, some days in this world it feels like everywhere you look there are people struggling with some sort of disordered eating, right?
Let me tell you this: it is no fun having the eating disorder OR seeing a loved one go through it. Obviously.
At first, when my own eating disorder was in full swing I didn’t want to admit it. “What will people think?” “Who will judge me?” “I look fat, so I need to eat less and work out more, but why do people always tell me I am being unhealthy?”
It is important to note that another factor that plays a huge role in eating disorders is body image. Most times, not all, people see themselves in a different way than is to be perceived true. AKA body dysmorphia. Often times, body dysmorphia is how a change in behavior around food starts.
In my own experience, I started with working out because it felt good and eating well made me feel energized and on top of my game! After I started seeing results with consistent “healthy” behavior, it started becoming an obsession. I started realizing that people were noticing me or making comments they hadn’t ever before. That feels good - right? I thought to myself, “dang! All I had to do was lose some weight for someone to think I was attractive, I better keep doing this!” I started pairing my self-worth with the way I looked and that’s when it became a problem. I was seeing or perceiving myself as fat before and thought being “skinny” was the only reason someone took interest in me.
Think about it, when was the last time you cared about a person for the way they looked?
Seeing a loved one suffer is also a difficult spot to be in. How can you help? Educating yourself on the warning signs and ways to talk to someone about it is the first step you can take. I am here to give you just a small peak into how you may be able to support someone you care about who is battling disordered eating!
This information is from the National Eating Disorder Association in a toolkit they put together for people supporting someone struggling.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/Toolkits/ParentToolkit.pdf
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder affects both men and women, all ethnicities, any age, and at any point in someones life. Often times eating disorders are associated with a combination of behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors.
Warning signs of Anorexia Nervosa
dramatic weight loss
cooks meals for others without eating
denies feeling hungry a lot
has a strong need for control
consistently makes excuses to avoid meal times or situations involving food
Warning signs of Bulimia Nervosa
evidence of purging behaviors- many trips to the bathroom after meals
appears uncomfortable eating around others
steals or hoards food in weird places
uses excessive amounts of mouthwash, mints, and gum- I had a gum addiction and never knew that this was an eating disorder sign
has secret recurring episodes of binge eating
feels lack of control over ability to stop eating
bodyweight is typically within the normal weight range; may be overweight
Warning signs of Binge Eating
skips meals or takes all portions of food at regular meals
does not purge
engages in sporadic fasting or repetitive dieting
creates lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge sessions.
evidence of lots of wrappers or containers indicating large amounts of food
What is Orthorexia Nervosa?
Orthorexia is another form of disordered eating that is not often talked about. It is the idea of being obsessed with the quality of food, not always the quantity. Often times it starts as wanting to clean up your health and find your way to have optimal nutrition but can turn extreme very quickly. The research for orthorexia is being done to further extent, however, some studies say that there are known risk factors.
Risk Factors of Orthorexia
obsessive-compulsive tendencies
a high need for perfectionism
high anxiety
a need to be in complete control
*Please note that this is a small list of signs to look out for, check out the full article for more! Not all people experience the same habits or disorders.
**Another thing to note when reading the article: many of these signs and symptoms over lap each other. Eating disorders are a giant load of confusion and frustration! Stay patient and
10 Ways on How to support your loved one:
REFRAIN telling the person what they should do- I can not stress this one enough.
Learn the differences between facts and myths about weight, nutrition, and exercise.
Listen openly and reflectively.
Model a balanced relationship with food, weight, and exercise.
Avoid discussions about food, weight, and eating, especially your own habits or others.
Focus on the emotional aspects of an eating disorder, not just the physical ones.
Encourage a treatment plan- this one is a whole other topic to become educated on.
Arrange activities that don’t involve food or eating to your loved one feels comfortable- this one can be tough but being mindful of them is always useful.
Don’t take their actions personally.
Validate their feelings and their emotional pain, especially when they share something difficult or reveal something they have had a hard time telling you.
If you are in a position that feels like you may have disordered eating or see someone who may be acting in a way that concerns you, please follow the link and read the entire toolkit. It talks more in depth about myths and facts, signs and symptoms emotionally and physically, more ways to help support, and treatment options!
There are quite a few assumptions about eating disorders, so do yourself and your loved one a favor and read the full article!
Again, as someone in the recovery process of a mix of all disordered eating and body dysmorphia, you don’t choose this life for you. I 100% still have my days where I am miserable and feel like I haven’t taken any steps forward. Then come the good days with such humbling reminders of how hard I have worked and how far I have come to becoming in love with who I am on the inside but most importantly loving myself at every stage of life on the outside too!
Wishing you well and remember, I am always here to talk, listen, advise, or cry with! You are not alone and IT DOES get better!