Very recently, a young woman shared the story of her eating disorder. She told of years of body shame (now ended) and her initial quest to obtain treatment. Like many, her quest for perfection lead her down a destructive and dangerous path. She mustered the courage to ask for help in the face of significant and ongoing symptoms but could not access care. The reason? Not what you might initially think. Keep reading...
The National Eating Disorders Association adopted the theme "Eating Disorders Come in All Shapes and Sizes" for their 2007 National Conference. Far too often we have heard someone say, "You don't look like you have an eating disorder." Old stereotypes of a certain "look" should be reassessed.
When I introduced my blog, it was my hope to discuss eating disorders and topics that often have not received mainstream attention. I hope to have discussions on Binge eating disorder and eating disorders/disordered eating in Hispanic, African American, other ethnic minority populations.
Discussions of eating disorders/disordered eating and ethnicity are also in the works as issues of acculturation have been studied as precipitating factors for eating disorders. Discussion about the effect of gender and other Men's Issues will also be a key component of this blog.
Now back to today's topic...why did this young woman still have difficulty obtaining care?
Despite a significant weight loss, this young woman did not meet criteria for a "Major Eating Disorder". Whether this was due to constraints of the DSM, insurance guidelines, need for provider education, she was not provided the level of care necessary.
After a period of time, she was able to find a provider who did recognize her symptoms as an eating disorder. She had also lost more weight in an attempt to "prove" she was in need of treatment. I am happy to report that this young woman is thriving and enjoying life, but is weary of the mental health system.
Eating disorders do not discriminate. In our weight obsessed society, it is automatically assumed to be a wonderful achievement when an overweight person loses weight or starts a strict exercise regimen. How often is it asked "How are you losing the weight?" More often than not, people hear compliments, or "Tell me your secret..." which would serve to reinforce possible disordered behavior.
On the flip side, do you, or do you have a relative that you make excuses for when it comes to large food intakes? If you or someone you know eats until they are uncomfortably full in response to emotion(stress, sadness or happiness), an evaluation for binge eating disorder should be considered. While use of the term eating disorder/disordered eating is may be difficult to use, it may be appropriate. In many families, there is someone who regularly eats seconds, and thirds and desserts; or someone else who is a "picky" eater.
It should also be said that not all overweight people have eating disorders. Dr. Deb Burgard works hard to spread this message and fight fat stigma. We should encourage healthy lifestyles regardless of size. Just have fun! http://bodypositive.com/
Hope this helps.
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