The movie hasn’t been released — yet the trailer itself has created much controversy in the eating disorder community and press. In the first 9 seconds we see disordered eating behavior. By the end of the 2 minute & 23 second promo we have now seen at least 5 very serious eating disorder rituals, including calorie counting, excessive exercise and fluid intake, difficulty eating, body checking, as well as scenes from the hospital, fainting and the skeletal spine of an emaciated body. These can negatively impact someone struggling with recovery or potentially trigger someone over the edge into an eating disorder.

Here are some of my concerns:

1) Lily Collins plays the main character and she has been very open about her own battle with anorexia. She lost weight to play the character in an authentic manner, yet we know that weight loss can trigger relapse. This feels extremely irresponsible, although the producers claim that she lost her weight “healthfully?”

2) It is important for all of us as parents, physicians, therapists, teachers, family and friends to learn all we can about eating disorders. To the Bone highlights a thin, white, young female with the very serious and life-threatening disease called anorexia.

From the National Eating Disorder Association website:

”Eating disorders affect people from all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities and sexualities. Unfortunately that diversity is rarely reflected in the way eating disorders are discussed and treated.”

It misses an opportunity to discuss: binge eating disorder, bulimia, atypical anorexia (anorexia in a larger bodied person), males,
LGBQT, people of color, hispanic, pregnant women, older adults AND avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

The movie reinforces the stereotype that there is only one “look” to an Eating Disorder.

Parents: Please watch with your children, discuss with them, educate them and if you need assistance, speak to your health care professional – MD, therapist or dietitian.

Click here for the National Eating Disorders Association Hotline:

For more information about nutrition and eating disorder treatment:

Erica Leon

Erica Leon is a Registered Dietitian and practices from a Health at Every Size (HAES®) lens. She is certified as an eating disorder specialist and is passionate about helping women at midlife, menopause and beyond to make peace with food and body image.

Erica is a highly sensitive nutrition therapist who takes the time to learn where you or your family are in the pursuit of health. Respectful of your individual needs and lifestyle, she will provide an honest assessment of whether or not you are a good fit to work together. Click here to schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call with Erica to let us know about your needs, and to see which of our Dietitians is the best fit for you!

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