4 Surprising Things About Eating Disorders

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It's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and as someone who has worked closely with hundreds of individuals facing food struggles, I wanted to share four insights regarding what I have learned about disordered eating. Did you know that 9% of the US population, or 28.8 million Americans, will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives?

This week is an opportunity to raise awareness and foster understanding around a complex issue that affects countless lives. Here is what I have observed:

1. Diet Culture. It is essential to acknowledge that while diet culture does not directly cause eating disorders, it serves as a significant trigger. Therefore, one of our primary goals should be to eliminate the influence of dieting, recognizing its detrimental impact on individuals' well-being. It's time to kick diets to the curb.

2. Eating issues impact everyone. It's vital to understand that eating disorders do not discriminate. They can affect people of all shapes, sizes, races, genders, and backgrounds.

3. It's not about food. It is a misconception to associate these disorders solely with appearance or food. In reality, they often serve as coping mechanisms for individuals struggling with challenging emotions and difficult life circumstances.

4. Avoid body comments. In promoting understanding and empathy, we must also be mindful of our words and actions. It is important to avoid commenting on people's weight, even compliments offered with good intentions. Such remarks place an undue emphasis on individuals' bodies, inadvertently reinforcing the notion that their value and worth are solely tied to their physical appearance.

For those who struggle with eating disorders, I would like to offer some tips:

1. Seeking quality support is paramount. Surrounding oneself with compassionate professionals, friends, or family members—as well as a therapist who understand the complexities of these disorders—can make a significant difference in the recovery journey.
2. I encourage individuals to shift their focus away from dieting and instead embrace mindful eating. Cultivating a healthy relationship with food involves being present and attuned to one's body's signals and needs and practicing self-care and self-compassion.
3. It is crucial to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing difficult emotions and stress. Exploring alternative outlets such as therapy, creative expression, physical activity, or mindfulness practices can contribute to overall well-being and provide constructive ways to navigate challenging feelings.

Let's join forces to promote understanding, compassion, and support for those affected by eating disorders.

To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.