Anorexia. Bulimia. Bingeing. Purging. We need to say these words out loud. We need to destigmatize eating disorders and disordered eating. After opioids, eating disorders are the deadliest mental health condition. When you think of an eating disorder you might first think of anorexia. It might bring to mind Karen Carpenter and other high-profile celebrities that have suffered and sometimes died from the condition. But only 6% of those with an eating disorder are considered medically underweight. Which means you may be looking at someone that is very sick but appears perfectly healthy. Eating disorders often hide in plain sight.
When a person with a restrictive eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia looks in the mirror, they do not see what the rest of us see. They may see someone that is “fat” or “overweight” when in fact they may be dangerously underweight and suffering from malnutrition. Like addiction, eating disorders are often a “disease of perception.” This disconnect can lead to behaviors around restricting food intake, purging, excessive exercise (with a corresponding decrease in food intake to compensate), using laxatives, among other things, all with the goal of losing weight.
On the other end of the spectrum is binge eating disorder that involves consistent over-eating that can manifest in different ways including eating more than a normal person over a similar time or under similar circumstances and eating when not hungry. People with a binge eating disorder will experience embarrassment and shame and feel disgusted with themselves after an eating episode. Binge eating disorder is strongly associated with obesity. It is the most underrecognized and undertreated eating disorder.
While there have been efforts to shine a light on eating disorders, there is still a high level of stigma, shame, and lack of awareness that prevents people from seeking available treatments. Eating disorders are also associated with the occurrence of other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Sometimes the eating disorder is primary. Sometimes it is driven or exacerbated by co-occurring mental health conditions, which makes comprehensive and effective assessment and diagnosis critical.
Unlike alcohol, drugs, gambling, and other addictions, we cannot live without food, which can complicate recovery for those suffering from an eating disorder. There are treatment programs and recovery groups for disordered eating that can provide invaluable skills and support to aid in recovery. LCL can help locate appropriate interventions and support if you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder and can coach you on how to talk to someone that you are concerned about.
by Jon. M. Tynjala, Esq., Client Services Director