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Time to talk about eating disorders

11:21 am February 25, 2010, by Joy Johnston

This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The theme this year is, “It’s Time to Talk About It.” A few points to consider from the National Eating Disorders Association:

In the United States, up to 10 million females are battling an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Photo credit: HBO

In the United States, up to 10 million females are battling an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Photo credit: HBO

  1. Eating disorders are illnesses, not choices: While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are about much more than food. Recent research has shown that genetic factors create vulnerabilities (anxiety, obsessions, perfectionism) that place individuals at risk for acting on cultural pressures and messages and triggering behaviors such as dieting or obsessive exercise. In the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Approximately 15 million more are struggling with binge eating disorder.
  2. Prevention, education and access to care are critical: 80% of all ten year olds are afraid of being fat. The average age of eating disorder sufferers is dropping rapidly (as young as elementary school), with peak onset among girls ages 11-13. As a culture, it is time for all communities to talk about eating disorders, address their causes, advocate for access to treatment and take preventative action.
  3. Help is available, and recovery is possible: While eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, there is help available and recovery really is possible. Refer to NEDA online at  www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or call the  NEDA Helpline: 800 931-2237.

Have you or a loved one suffered from an eating disorder? What helped you most in your recovery?

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17 comments Add your comment

Allysia

February 25th, 2010
12:08 pm

Don’t change the way you are!!! Your beautiful either way. Just because people may say you fat, it doesnt matter what they say. It’s what matters on the inside!!!! Live your life, not somebody elses!!!

Nita

February 25th, 2010
4:37 pm

I’m thankful for the awareness and positive comments. However, I eat and purge regularly. I don’t care who hears me or knows either. Even in public–no body says anything. I think it is almost …understandable.
After 11 years the urge to me is the same as going #1 or #2. People close to me call it #5.

I love food. I just don’t want to be close to 300 lbs like my mama. So, who cares?

Jeff

February 26th, 2010
7:46 am

I agree, an eating disorder is a mental illness. Since it’s trend is growing, primarily amoung women, we should have them declared mentally unstable until they can demonstrate otherwise.

Elle

February 26th, 2010
7:55 am

I almost died from being bulimic. You can love food and eat it without being fat or it controlling your life. It takes time but its worth it. Bulimia is not a weight loss or weight management tool – in fact, studies show its doesn’t “keep the weight down” at all. You may not believe purging is “bad” for you or you may believe purging is not any worse than being fat — but it is. It’s not a choice between being bulimic and being fat. I actually lost weight after getting control of my bulimia. I hope you’ll consider this post and my experience with near-death from purging …. and if you’re skeptical, I didn’t almost die from purging “too often” or even every day — its cumulative. Please, at least consider this. I care.

Frustrated

February 26th, 2010
11:22 am

Why do so many of these eating disorder articles have an inherent bias toward anorexia and bulimia? Just as many (and perhaps more) women are losing their lives to binge-eating disorder, and the obesity that results from BED without purging can create tremendous social pressure and ostracization. And please don’t say that BED is just a simple case of overeating. It’s a psychologically complex condition that deserves heightened public awareness, too.

Nita

February 26th, 2010
1:28 pm

@Elle–Thanks for joining. I’m interested in your experience. If you almost died, then you probably got some stuck coming up, right? How else could you die?

Plus, you lost weight when you stopped? How? You prolly stopped eating what you want. You are also right that it does not work by itself because you still digest some of the fatty food and sodas. You have to work out too. But I’m saying what’s the damage if you do an awesome workout, hit the Wendy’s and purge so you don’t undo all your hard work? I still eat healthy. Celebrities do it all the time–Men and women. I guess I need to see the real harm in it. I have a toddler now, too. I’m sort of afraid she’ll try to copy me soon. It’s not psychological for me. It’s just like…another bodily function.

I’ll get help (again) when I’m ready.

Catie

February 26th, 2010
3:05 pm

Some of these comments illustrate what a problem this topic really is. First, it doesn’t matter if you’re fat? Sure, looks don’t matter, but what about the health risks?

Second, “declared mentally unstable”? I hope that was sarcastic; otherwise you are living in the dark ages.

Third…where to begin? Nita, Elle said she almost died. Not because something “got stuck,” I presume. If you are going to continue your pattern, you better do your research. Bulimia can cause cardiac arrest via low potassium or an electrolyte imbalance. It can also cause a ruptured esophagus. If you want to be in denial and take those risks with your body, that’s your choice, but don’t get on here and tell people there’s no harm in it. Hopefully you will be ready for help soon.

Catie

February 26th, 2010
3:07 pm

P.S.: Thanks, Elle, for your honesty and encouragement. Sounds like you are healthier physically and emotionally. And thanks to Frustrated for bringing the binge issue to the forefront as well.

Nita

February 26th, 2010
3:55 pm

@Catie,
I know all that stuff. It’s not ok. I will get help when I’m ready, so thanks for being real.

A TV drama series tried to address this a few years ago on FX, but the show got cancelled. It was called “Starved”.

But, I promise I will get help after a while.

Catie

February 26th, 2010
4:32 pm

Nita, I respect that everyone has to do it on their own timetable, so take care of yourself and do what you need when you need to. Eating disorders revolve around control, so utterly forcing someone to do something only makes it worse, unless it’s a life threatening situation. It doesn’t help that people stigmatize it and refer to sufferers as mentally unstable.

Hannah

March 1st, 2010
2:01 am

To be honest I think that mild eating disorders can be fun. Why? As long as you have control over it. I have been an on and off bulimic for about 5 years. It is my coping mechanism and I love it because I actually can control my binges and purges. It is my secret – I own it all to myself. Why not have something so uniquely yours, all yours? I love my part time bulimia and I love how I OWN IT. Bulimia you are my toy in life.

Jess

March 1st, 2010
2:38 pm

Hannah, what you said really makes me scared for you. Why is this something you feel you need to own? Do you not have control of other aspects in your life that this is the only thing you have control over? Help me understand.

Nita

March 1st, 2010
3:19 pm

I’m back–
I’m all Team Hannah. She’s right–it’s fun. Especially after a workout. Hey Hannah, will you share about how long you wait after you eat?

Nita

March 1st, 2010
3:19 pm

I’m looking for tips right now. Not counseling. I know where and how to get help.

Jess

March 1st, 2010
6:57 pm

Hello, Who the hell is the moderator here? These women need serious help and they seem to think that your little blog is a place to trade barfing tips. Any comments?

Joy Johnston

March 2nd, 2010
10:57 am

For those that are concerned, this blog is moderated. While we can’t control a reader’s desire to continue engaging in an eating disorder instead of seeking help, any further posts providing eating disorder “tips” will be removed.

Eva

March 15th, 2010
10:47 am

Two million or so have Celiac disease, 95% or more are undiagnosed. Therefore, many of you have Celiac and do not have a clue. I no longer eat white or refined flours, only gluten free crackers or breads. I was anemic, doctor was watching me as pre-leukemia, I lost 13 lbs in two weeks by no longer eating flour, wheat, and such products. I eat pasta made from corn or rice. Plain vegetables, fresh fruits, meats with out coatings (grilled, backed, broiled meats) can be eaten, there are plenty of food choices. I do wish the fast food places would be more aware of this disease. I have lost 30 lbs without any effort except watching my diet.