Food Is Not Your Enemy!

by Cassie S.

(Image courtesy of stylefrizz.com)

A sickening feeling settled in her stomach when she stared down at her lunch. This would be my first meal of the day, she thought. However, she didn’t feel all that hungry, and pushed her lunch tray away. Her friends had concerned looks on their faces but didn’t act upon her actions. “I’m going to the bathroom,” she said and rose out of her seat.

She looked at herself in the mirror, and scanned her eyes over her reflection. What the mirror showed was a thin frame, but she thought otherwise. What she saw was a larger, rounder frame, a body that was too overweight to be considered beautiful. If I don’t eat, maybe I will become leaner and happier, she thought excitingly, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, she remembered the looks of her friends’ faces. I’ll have to hide this. No one can know.

This is a sign of an eating disorder.

Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits.

There are three major types: Anorexia nervosa (AN), Bulimia nervosa

(BN), and binge eating disorder (BED). Another category includes

EDNOS, “eating disorders not otherwise specified,” which do not meet the official criteria of AN, BN, or BED.1

Eating disorders can develop from numerous causes, ranging from psychological to biological to even cultural factors, yet most are rooted in an individual’s self-image and emotional stability. While psychological or biological factors may trigger it, behind every disorder is a broader cultural issue. Society’s messages about an ideal body are difficult to ignore.2

(Image courtesy of thehno.com)

According to the National Institute of Health, eating disorders primarily affect girls and women. However, men and boys can also be vulnerable, but they are not so often depicted in the media. Symptoms may be similar to those seen in females. Others may have muscle dysmorphia, a disorder characterized by an extreme concern with becoming more muscular. 3

Despite the complex emotional challenges eating disorders present for sufferers and their loved ones, recovery is possible. It is important to choose the level of care appropriate to the patients’ symptoms. Here are some options: psychotherapy, family counseling, medication, dietary consultation, peer support groups, residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment programs, and inpatient hospitalization.4

Don’t deny food, don’t follow popular beliefs from the media, build a positive body image, surround yourself with positive people, be a model of healthy self-esteem, and recognize the value you hold. Embrace yourself and the natural diversity of humans and celebrate your uniqueness!

For more information about eating disorders, please refer to these websites:

National Institute of Mental Health, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml

National Eating Disorders Association, http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

American Psychological Association, http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/eating.aspx

Sources:

1  Brownell, Kelly D., Dr., Kathy J. Hotelling, Dr., Michael R. Lowe, Dr., and Gina E. Rayfield, Dr. "Eating Disorders." Http://www.apa.org. American Psychological Association, Oct. 2011. Web. 26 July 2014. <http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/eating.aspx>.

2 Strada, Jennifer L. Eating Disorders. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2001. Print.

3 National Institute of Mental Health. (2007). "Eating disorders."

4 "Eating Disorder Treatment Options." Treatment Centers for Anorexia, Bulimia and Other Eating Disorders. Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, n.d. Web. 29 July 2014.