Eating Disorders Are Not About The Food
“Why won’t you just eat more?” …. A common question people make to those struggling with an eating disorder. It is assumed that those who have eating disorders “just don’t like eating”…. Which is actually further from the truth.
For those unsure about what eating disorders are, an eating disorder is defined as ‘a range of phychological disorders classified by abnormal or disturbed eating habits’.
Anorexia nervosa - an eating disorder classified through extreme caloric restriction resulting in low body weight, failure to thrive, intense fear of gaining weight and distorted perception of one’s body image.
Bulimia nervosa - characterized between episodes of binge eating and purging. Food restriction can also be involved creating a “Binge Restrict Cycle”.
Binge eating disorder - often has similar symptoms as anorexia and bulimia, involving eating large quantities of food in a short period of time without feeling in control of food.
Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) - this is a non-diagnosable eating disorder subtype in which one may present with eating disorder qualities but have not been diagnosed. This may also be referred to as orthorexia or generalized disordered eating.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the types of eating disorders, why exactly do people get eating disorders in the first place? Is it really about the food?
Short answer: no. Eating disorders are not about the food (at least in the beginning).
Eating disorders are far more complex than what or how much a person eats. Eating disorders are not a choice either. People who have an ED do not wake up one day and decide that they want to have an unhealthy relationship with food. In fact, most people grow up loving food until their perception of themselves becomes distorted.
Societal Pressure
When children and young adults grow up with diet culture all around them, it’s no wonder that ED’s and disordered eating is so common in today’s world. According to NationalEatingDisorders.org, by age 6, girls begin to express concerns about their body size and weight. It starts at a young age as well. Between 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. The sociocultural pressure to be thin is dangerous to our younger crowd and anyone at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and OCD. Low self-esteem is a common trait in those with eating disorders.
Difficult Emotions
Someone may develop an ED as a way to cope with difficult emotions they are going through. It could be a big change in someone’s life such as moving, toxic relationships, chronic stress, extreme anxiety, being rejected by others, lack of self-confidence. ED’s often serve as a distraction from one’s own life and acts as a void for troubling emotions.
Past Trauma (PTSD)
There are many types of past trauma that are related to the development of an eating disorder such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, neglect, physical and/or emotional abuse, bullying, weight shaming, and food deprivation. Why might this be? Eating disorders are often a way to numb feelings and dissociate from one’s own body. One may feel unworthy of love or human connection after dealing with PTSD. Purging in particular, whether it be vomiting or excessive exercise), is used in a way to deal with tough emotions and to
”purge” those feelings away, temporarily.
Unintentional Changes In Weight
Sometimes ED’s develop when there has been a change in one’s appetite or weight due to certain medications, stress, surgery, GI disorders, thyroid disorders, etc. That individual may have grown up with a healthy relationship with food and their body until they lost or gained weight. It can be pretty challenging to see a drastic change in weight when it had been stable up until that occurrence. This can further lead to an increased focus on one’s body and food choices.
In conclusion…
Eating disorders are not something to make fun of or take lightly. ED’s are life-threatening whether or not they result in weight loss. Cardiac irregularities are common in both underweight and normal weight individuals. It is important to not comment on someone’s weight regardless if they have an ED or not. Body dissatisfaction is a major driver in the development of an ED and could be prevented with changes in media’s messages and the way in which we speak to one another.
Eating disorders are not about the food. Getting to the root cause of the emotions behind the ED is key for lasting recovery. Working with an eating disorder dietitian alongside a therapist and primary physician is recommended for a successful recovery. While it takes time and dedication from that individual, it can be helped through a supportive family and group of friends.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
References
Brewerton, Timothy D. Eating disorders, trauma, and comorbidity: focus on PTSD. The Journal of Treatment & Prevention. 2007;15(4): 285-304. doi:10.1080/10640260701454311
Mitchell KS, Mazzeo SE, Schlesinger MR, Brewerton TD, Smith BN. Comorbidity of partial and subthreshold PTSD among men and women with eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication Study. The International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2012;45(3):307-315. doi:10.1002/eat.20965.
Yehuda RJ. Biology of posttraumatic stress disorder. Clinical Psychiatry. 2001; 62 Suppl 17():41-6.
Dunkley DM, Masheb RM, Grilo CM. Childhood maltreatment, depressive symptoms, and body dissatisfaction in patients with binge eating disorder: the mediating role of self-criticism. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2010 Apr; 43(3):274-81.
