There are far too many articles sensationalizing eating disorders (ED). This is likely due to our most famous celebrities and models having this diagnosis. There has been an unsettling trend of normalizing ED behaviors as they show quick results in achieving the skinny body image that our culture praises. Just look at Kim Kardashian who lost 16 lbs. in 3 weeks to fit into Marilyn Monroe's dress for the 2022 Met Gala. That's 5.3 lbs. a week. A diet that consists of that much weight loss is unsustainable and dangerous to promote. With our most influential people engaging in such behaviors, skinny has become "elite". This elitism comes at a great cost; the development of EDs. This is a major problem as EDs have the 2nd highest mortality rate for mental illnesses (source).
With this mentality of our culture, Christians must stand in the gap for the people in our communities. Before we get to how to help, let's debunk the myths about EDs.
Myth #1 Only Girls have EDs
It may be easier to recognize EDs in girls due to society's spotlight on female body image issues, but EDs impact everyone. In fact, 10-25% of people with eating disorders are male (source). This percentage may be even higher than this as our culture encourages women to talk about their emotions and struggles but discourages men from doing the same. If more women than men seek help, then we are going to have a disparity in our statistics. This may surprise many of you as men appear to be less body-conscious than women, which brings us to our next myth.
Myth #2 All People with EDs are Skinny
weight lifters are more prone to develop EDs than your average gym-goer (source). Does this surprise you? Probably because we commonly think of anorexia when talking about EDs. Anorexia is characterized by restricting calories to an unhealthy level, however, there are other common EDs. . Bulimia, for instance, is an eating disorder where the person may be at a normal weight or overweight. This disorder is characterized by using laxatives, vomiting, and other methods after eating to maintain weight. Eating disorders can impact people of all different shapes and sizes.
Myth #3 People with EDs are Attention Seekers
This is one of the most harmful myths surrounding EDs. When you are struggling with an illness, what do you do? You tell someone. You call your mom for advice, make an appointment with your doctor, and get support from your closest friends. All of these social interactions help you get better as those in your life encourage you to take the steps you need to heal and are there in your weakest moments. But what if everyone you talked to thought you were lying?
Your mom would say, "Oh, honey it's just in your head. Just eat a hamburger and you'll get some meat on those bones and feel better." Your friends just think you want to make the conversation all about you. "You want to be skinnier. We do too, it's really not a big deal," they say. This lack of support makes you rethink making an appointment with your doctor. You may think, "Will my doctor think I'm just looking for attention too?"
Do you see where I'm going with this? Minimizing their challenges because we think they just want attention causes them to feel shame that keeps them from receiving the help they need. As I said earlier, EDs have the 2nd highest mortality rates. That's a lot of people dying for a treatable mental illness.
How Can We Help?
Stop commenting on people's weight. EDs can happen to anyone, thus, it's safer to avoid weight comments. Plus, people are worth more than just their appearance. How can we encourage their talents and character?
Share unedited photos of yourself. Apps make it easy for us to slim our waist and get rid of double chins. We're exposed to edited versions of people all the time on social media. Even the most gorgeous models are edited on magazine covers. Wouldn't it be nice for us to normalize our authentic bodies?
Be a good and kind listener. I'm a barista and have had so many people open up to me about their deepest hurts and struggles. Why? It's not because I'm best friends with them or even really know them outside the coffee shop. They tell me because I take the time to listen. No judgment listening makes people feel safe to share. Once they share, you can ask them questions and support them in their recovery.
I pray that we all take the time to understand the struggles of those around us and provide encouragement for the most heartbroken in our communities. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (NIV).
How else can we support people with EDs?
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