This week (Jan. 30 to Feb. 3) is Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Unfortunately, eating disorders are some of the most deeply misunderstood illnesses out there. Besides the stigma that in general seems to surround them, they are often ridiculed, looked down upon, and “society-diagnosed.” Being skinny does not mean one has an eating disorder, nor do all people who have eating disorders possess a skinny figure. The ideal information the public should have regarding eating disorders could fill this entire paper itself (and more), but I will try to offer a brief glimpse into this dark world, in the hope of providing readers with more insight.
Though primarily occurring in girls and young women, eating disorders can afflict people of all genders, ages, classes, and races. There are three main sub-groups of eating disorders; the first being anorexia. Fully titled anorexia nervosa, this disorder involves severe food restrictions, often coupled with intense exercise and very extreme and/or specific habits. Those with anorexia usually have a distorted body image, and despite being malnourished and emaciated, often view themselves as “fat” and “unworthy.”
Bulimia nervosa also involves the restriction of food, but results in binge-and-purge cycles, where the denial of food is met with very large amounts binged on, followed by purging through vomitting, laxatives, or other similar behaviour. Those with bulimia have varying weights; not all appear to be severely underfed. This does not mean, however, that that person is any less in need of help or support.
The more recently recognized disorder is identified as binge eating disorder, or BED. Like its name suggests, BED individuals resort to eating large amounts of food, usually as a coping mechanism when experiencing difficult emotions. Unlike bulimia, those with BED do not purge afterwards. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (ED-NOS) is the catch-all category for those which do not fit the previously cited criteria.
The causes of eating disorders are many, and differ with each individual afflicted. These reasons include, but are not limited to: depression, extreme change, separation/divorce, traumatic event (such as sexual abuse), puberty/transition, and media focus on body shape/appearance.
Eating disorders do not develop selfishly, though sadly this is often how they are perceived. They are issues of control, and actually have little to do with food itself. In fact, food is the symptom of problems, not the source. Blaming, criticizing, or attempting to forcefully change someone dealing with an eating disorder will only make things worse. Instead, they must be able to find love, support, and understanding if they are to seek the treatment and recovery to help release themselves from its astonishing grip.
Eating disorders are extremely difficult to cope with, for both the person in question and his or her friends, family, and loved ones. Though they usually affect family life and are hard to understand, it must be remembered that nobody asks for an eating disorder. They are, in essence, a desperate call for help, but one that must be answered properly if recovery is to occur.
If you or a loved one suspect or are suffering from an eating disorder, there is help. Consider counselling, therapy, or support groups; for more intensive cases, there are health facilities that offer day and/or inpatient treatment as well. Never try to force someone to enter treatment, as this can actually be counterproductive. It is also important to note that commenting on one’s weight/appearance, even as a compliment, is not a good idea. The person will likely take your words to mean that their obsession with looks is correct. At the same time, if you honestly think that someone is in physical danger, it is important to seek help in addressing your concerns. It is recommended that you contact a professional for more details. Eating disorders, when severe, have the power to kill.
Together, we can ease the suffering caused by eating disorders, and take one more step towards a safer, friendlier society in which all of us can thrive.
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