By Barbara Pierce
“Eating disorders are not a choice, a phase or a failure of willpower,” said Stephanie Hall, certified peer support specialist in Clinton, founder of What’s Eating You, which offers support groups for people with eating disorders.
“They are serious, complex health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, races and body sizes. Early understanding and support can make a meaningful difference in prevention, intervention, and recovery.”
An eating disorder is a life-threatening illness that causes severe disturbances in a person’s eating behaviors.
The National Institutes of Health states, “Eating disorders can be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.” The main types of eating disorders: anorexia (characterized by restrictive eating and behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain), bulimia (binge eating followed by purging), binge eating and night eating (involuntary, uncontrollable and distress-inducing eating during the night). Although not yet an official diagnosis, orthorexia is the fixation on ‘clean’ or ‘healthy’ eating, restricting specific foods and constant worry about the quality of food and ingredients.
We asked Hall to help us better understand these disorders.
1. How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
“Many begin to question whether they have an eating disorder when food, eating, weight or body image starts to dominate their thoughts or emotions,” said Hall.
Eating may feel stressful rather than beneficial. Eating may be accompanied by guilt, anxiety or a sense of loss of control, she added. One may avoid meals or avoid eating around others.
Hall added that other common signs may include:
• Persistent concern with food, weight, calories, or body image
• Restrictive eating, binge eating, purging or compensatory behaviors
• Anxiety, guilt or shame related to eating or body size
• Rigid food rules or distress when eating routines change
• Emotional distress or difficulty functioning due to eating-related thoughts or behaviors.
“Some struggle privately for years, carrying their challenges alone and often feeling unsure, ashamed or afraid to reach out for help,” she said. “You don’t need a formal diagnosis or meet a certain standard to have an eating disorder. If thoughts about food or body image are interfering with daily life or emotional well-being, support may be beneficial.”
2. When should I see a professional?
Hall recommends professional support when your eating-related concerns continue over time or intensify. Or if these concerns affect your physical health, emotional well-being, work or relationships or are used as a primary way to cope with stress or emotions, it’s time to seek professional help. Also, if these concerns are noticed by family or friends.
“Seeking help early can reduce medical complications and support long-term recovery,” she said. “Reaching out for help means you are taking your health seriously.”
Start by talking with your primary healthcare professional or a mental health professional with training in eating disorders. A registered dietitian can educate you about nutrition and meal planning.
Hall leads free support groups for those with eating disorders. This group is described in another article in this issue. The in-person group is held in Clinton and online on Zoom. Support groups provide a connection with others who share similar pain and challenges as well as providing education and support. See https://whatseatingyou2022.wixsite.com/my-site for information on Hall’s group.
3. What causes an eating disorder?
“There’s no single cause of an eating disorder,” Hall said. “Research shows they develop from a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, genetic vulnerability, psychological traits such as perfectionism or anxiety, exposure to diet culture and weight-focused messaging, trauma, stress or significant life changes, or co-occurring mental health conditions.”
Eating disorders are not personal shortcomings, she emphasized — “They are best understood as learned coping responses to internal or external stressors.”
4. What treatment helps? Is it lengthy?
“Effective treatment typically involves a coordinated, individualized approach and may include therapy with professionals trained in eating disorders, nutritional counseling to support physical and emotional health, medical monitoring when necessary and support groups to reduce isolation,” she said.
The time it takes varies from person to person; recovery is a gradual process.
Recovery is possible and will continue with care and support. “Support from loved ones can significantly impact recovery,” she added.
5.What should family and friends do to help?
Hall advises how best to support someone with an eating disorder:
• Encourage a professional evaluation and treatment
• Listen without judging what they say
• Don’t pressure them about eating
• Avoid comments about weight, appearance or food choices
• Be patient and consistent, even during setbacks
• Learn about eating disorders to better understand the recovery process
Your compassionate, informed support can help reduce the shame that accompanies an eating disorder as well as encouraging their healing, she added.
“If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating or body image issues, support is available. Reaching out for help is a meaningful step toward healing, and you don’t have to take it alone,” she said.
For more information about What’s Eating You and its founder, visit https://whatseatingyou2022.wixsite.com/my-site or call 315-723-9951.