In many parts of the world, an obsession with beauty standards and dieting rages every single day. Eating disorders and patterns of disordered eating are so commonplace, that having a negative relationship with food feels almost synonymous with being a girl. While both genders suffer from these conditions, and more research is needed on the ways men and young boys present with these afflictions, this article will mainly focus from a female-centric point of view.
Let’s Talk About:
-How eating disorders and disordered eating have a devastating effect on young girls.
-The difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating.
-Common types of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors.
-Common mental health conditions that accompany eating disorders and disordered eating.
-The capitalization and insidiousness of the wellness industry.
-Treatment options for eating disorders also effective for less disordered eating.
-An invitation to experience peace on a daily basis and raising young girls to have better views of their bodies.
How Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Have a Devastating Effect on Young Girls
From a very young age, many girls are taught that their bodies and looks are their most valuable currency. Societal pressures, as well as lessons from inside the home, television, and social media, bombard them with “ideal” body types and unrealistic beauty standards. They are told their happiness and success depend, in large measure, on their ability to be appealing. This steady onslaught of messages becomes a corrosive, persistent anxiety that instills itself deep into the child’s psyche. Correspondingly, this constant permeation of thoughts saps precious energy and redirects the girl away from self-exploration and discovery of her talents. The consequences of this relentless pursuit are eroding self-confidence, feelings of shame and unworthiness, and a perpetual cycle of despair that often reverberates through generations.
The Differences between Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
Understanding the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating can be understood by looking at an individual’s relationship with food and their accompanying view of their body. On a spectrum, a person without an eating disorder will have a positive or neutral correlation with eating. Meanwhile, individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder will have unhealthy attitudes, behaviors, and thought processes regarding eating. The severity of this negative connection will cause significant distress and unhappiness. It can also cause mental and physical health issues. Somewhere in between this continuum are persons who have mixed experiences, connotations, and thoughts about food. These individuals are not as preoccupied with their thoughts or behaviors. However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of disordered eating, because such episodes place that person at higher risk for developing an eating disorder.
Common Types of Eating Disorders:
-Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexics have intense and debilitating fears of gaining weight. Individuals engage in behaviors of restrictive eating, periods of starvation, as well as excessive exercise regimens to control weight.
-Bulimia Nervosa. Individuals with bulimia have recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by behaviors to compensate for the excessive food intake. The cycle commonly consists of overeating, then purging through self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives.
-Binge Eating Disorder. Binge eaters consume large quantities of food within a short period while feeling a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, there are no accompanying compensatory behaviors to rid the body of food.
-Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Previously referred to as Selective Eating Disorder, individuals with this eating disorder, limit the amount or types of food they consume. Unlike anorexia, this condition does not have the accompanying distress and fear about body shape or size.
Disordered Eating Behaviors:
-Yo Yo Dieting. A term commonly used to describe the pattern of starting a new diet, losing weight, stopping the diet, and then regaining it again.
-Compulsive or Emotional Eating. A very common sign of disordered eating is when food is used as a coping mechanism to escape difficult feelings.
-Punitive Exercise. A habit of making exercise a punishment to compensate for the idea of overeating or because you feel bad about your body.
-Preoccupation with Food. Periods of obsessively thinking about unhealthy foods or having extreme feelings of guilt and anxiety about food choices and/or consumption.
-Negative Body Image. Another aspect of disordered eating is when the act of taking in
nutrients each day is an agonizing event due to a pervasive negative opinion of one’s body.
Mental Health Conditions that Accompany Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
A variety of mental health ailments are experienced alongside those suffering from eating disorders and disordered eating. Though the severity, frequency of symptoms, and impact on daily life functioning will be most severe for those with diagnosed eating disorders, those with disordered eating will feel many of the same effects. Persons dealing with a negative relationship with food and poor body image experience many of the following – Depression, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse disorders, personality disorders, body dysmorphia, obsessive-compulsive, and anxiety disorders. These comorbidities can result from thoughts that dominate women’s and young girl’s minds continually. A seeking of an elusive ideal that does not exist. This overshadowing preoccupation of thought is a silent storm of agony and despair that lives inside many.
The Capitalization of the Wellness Industry
It was once remarked by a waitress that had worked in restaurants for over a dozen years, the difference between serving a table full of women versus men. She tells stories of how women agonize over what types of food they will consume. Asking permission from one another if they should “get the fries”, or bargaining with other women to share them. The waitress stated feelings of guilt wafting from those tables are physically palpable. Meanwhile, she has never experienced such agonized conversations from tables with men. In data from 2022, the wellness industry, which includes beauty products and exercise made over 5 trillion dollars in revenue worldwide. Much of that marketing aimed at the prevention of showing signs of aging or gaining weight. Note-weight management is important. But true wellness includes healthy balance and acceptance of changes to bodies over time.
Treatment Options for Eating Disorders Also Effective for Less Disordered Eating
-Psychotherapy.
Often referred to as talk therapy, psychotherapy is a cornerstone treatment for eating disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, specifically, is one of the most effective approaches for helping individuals identify distorted thoughts and beliefs about food, their weight, and body image. By talking to a trusted clinician, people suffering from eating disorders or disordered eating, learn coping mechanisms to manage, and gradually overcome, unhealthy eating patterns. Additionally, they build skills to regulate their emotions which can improve personal relationships and address underlying traumas that are contributing to the disorder.
-Nutritional Counseling.
Nutritional counseling is crucial for helping persons with eating disorders or disordered eating establish a balanced relationship with food. Specialized dietitians make personalized meal plans, educate about portion control, meal timing, and mindful eating techniques. They can also address nutrient deficiencies and imbalances resulting from disordered eating behaviors.
-Medication.
In some cases, medication is prescribed to address issues associated with eating disorders or disordered eating. SSRIs are commonly used for anti-depressants or anti-anxiety conditions. While antipsychotics or mood stabilizers are considered for individuals with severe symptoms usually resulting from psychiatric conditions. In no fashion should medication alone me a substitute for psychotherapy and should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
-Support Groups and Peer Counseling.
Peer support is an invaluable tool in the recovery process. Being with people who understand and know your unique troubles provides a sense of belonging. Support groups are most safe when facilitated by trained professionals or peers with lived experience. They offer a constructive space to share struggles, receive encouragement, and learn from others facing similar challenges. Furthermore, groups promote accountability and provide motivation, while minimizing isolation and shame.
An Invitation to Experience Peace on a Daily Basis
While in the midst of being diagnosed with an eating disorder or realizing struggles with disordered eating, the road to recovery can seem long. Many may feel disheartened or afraid regarding the challenge of healing. Old beliefs and behaviors are difficult to break and the sky around us can look bleak. Despite this, there are avenues we can take along our journey to find moments of peace and self-love each day. Along with attending therapy, following the advice of trained medical doctors, and peer support groups, we can develop skills of mindfulness, gratitude, and reflection. Additionally, we can teach young girls to feel beautiful inside their bodies and move away from feeling their appearance has to be the most interesting thing about them.