Glamorizing Eating Disorders: This is Not Okay

It’s like a fender-bender on the side of the road. I had to look. I saw the recent issue of Star Magazine and was horrified. Given that next week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I thought, just maybe this could be about awareness. It’s not. We need to stand against those who glamorize eating disorders especially under the guise of concern. The small paragraph giving information about who to call if you or a friend is struggling with an eating disorder is plastered among the two-page spread of unfed, barely clothed bodies. Star Magazine, do you really think we’re that stupid?

At first I was thinking I may ruffle some feathers but that doesn’t concern me. The lives of impressionable young women (& men) do.  If I’m not standing up for what I believe in, am I really standing at all? I’m standing. Will you stand with me?

Still don’t believe how dangerous this is? Watch this quick video as well…

http://shar.es/Fmkin

Authenticity and #Recovery #endED #recoverywarriors #NEDAW

I came across this quote a few weeks ago via a blog post by Alysa, an inspirational dietitian and woman.  Since then, I have used it in multiple conversations with wonderful people who constantly belittle and bash themselves.  Comparison helps nothing (for more information look at this & this), yet it is something that the majority of us struggle with.

But, what I want to share with you today is something that I have both learned and observed.  Just showing our “highlight reels” to everyone (and believing that other people have it all together) keeps us from true relationship, healing, and recovery. Name any struggle, hurt, or pain that you have; please know that many people are going through or have already gone through the same thing.  This does not take away the pain, but it can give you hope that you are not alone.

Take disordered eating for example.  There are approximately 25 million men and women in the United States that have diagnosable eating disorders.  Yet, somehow many people with eating disorders feel like they are alone, feel shame and guilt, try hiding their hurt and pain, and do not know that there is hope for recovery.

Recognition of a struggle (and recognition that you are not alone in your struggle) is one of the first steps toward healing and recovery. 

So, in thinking about the quote again, we do ourselves and others a disservice by believing others are perfect, keeping our struggles to ourselves, and believing that we are alone in our struggles.  Know that whatever you are going through, you are not crazy, you are not alone, and there is hope. Your “behind the scenes” look a lot like the “behind the scenes” of others.  Don’t hide.  Seek recovery, health, and growth.  Be REAL and authentic.  You owe it to yourself.

Great Resources for Eating Disorder Recovery:

• Find an eating disorder dietitian 
• Find a support group
• Get involved with national eating disorder organizations like NEDA and BEDA
• Use social media (authentic blogs and tweeting from people in recovery) to connect with people in recovery.  Also, check out the blog and tweets (#recoverywarriors) of Kendra at Voice In Recovery.

This post is by Janet Zimmerman, a University of Memphis Nutrition Student and Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC Intern. You can follow Janet on Twitter as well at http://twitter.com/JanetZimmerman

Nat’l Eating Disorders Awareness Week: #NEDAW What can you do to #endED ? #HAES

Some of you know and some of you don’t but it’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (a.k.a. NEDAW).  The theme is “Everybody Knows Somebody.” Which, if you really think about it, is true. The goal of NEDAW is “a collective effort of primary volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment.”

In light of our attempts to cut obesity, we’ve unfortunately developed a culture of dieters fueled by shame. Has it really helped us? Look around-NO it hasn’t! Like this week’s theme suggests “everybody knows somebody.” Everybody knows somebody who is a strange or “picky” eater, somebody who is afraid to eat out with friends, someone who has trouble with binging, someone who can no longer function because HE or SHE is so malnourished, and someone heal hostage by the disease. Yes, friends eating disorders are diseases. Diseases that need to be taken seriously because it can take their life. Although SHAME and weight stigma seem to be a common prescription, it doesn’t work and, in fact, can make the disease worse!

Recently, I realized that many people JUST DON’T KNOW ANY BETTER. Even people or industries that you’d think would do their homework before lauching a compaign that may do more harm than good. Take Disney for example, I’m not sure they would set out to harm their patrons but because they armed with cluelessness it’s very possible they did.  You’ll be happy to know, Disney has decided to close the exhibit. Many thanks to the professionals in the Health at Every Size community!

What will you do to change the conversation and help our society move towards a paradigm shift? Here are a few ideas to get you started..

1. END FAT TALK!! You can help change conversations!

2. Stand up against shame-based programs related to body & nutrition (or anything for that matter).

3. Get and use a filter for your safety and others.

4. Learn how to support a friend or family member with an eating disorder.

5. Remember that sometimes it’s none of your business.

This week will be an exciting one! I know there are many things going in Memphis including the opening of Moonpointe, an intensive outpatient program for those struggling with eating disorders and the Binge Eating Disorder Assocation’s National Conference (which I’m exciting to be speaking at!). Remember, “Everybody know Somebody!” We’d love to know what you’ll do this week and beyond…