Eating disorders exist in all shapes and sizes, and we need to do a better job of representing people who suffer from eating disorders if we hope to dispel stigma and promote lasting recovery.
The issue of eating disorder representation in the media has come up in the last year due to the highly controversial Netflix movie, To the Bone. People in eating disorder recovery circles and the Health at Every Size community clashed, both within their own groups and with the public at large, about the potential impact of the movie, and the affect such a depiction of an eating disorder sufferer would have on the perception of eating disorders worldwide.
Erica and I had some strong feelings to contribute to this conversation, and you can catch our rants here and here.
Though the controversy has died down, the topic bears repeating in order to propagate this simple truth: eating disorders have no size requirement!
Unfortunately popular media represents people with eating disorders as emaciated or otherwise visually starving, but the truth is that eating disorders can exist in ANY body, and actually more often than not, those who struggle with disordered eating live in perfectly “typical” bodies. This does NOT mean that biologically, they aren’t starving. They are!
But what we can see visually from someone’s body doesn’t inform us about anything having to do with someone’s health status, and doesn’t tell us whether or not they’re providing their bodies with proper nutrition.
It also doesn’t tell us whether or not they’re deriving pleasure from their food, or whether or not they are struggling with body image concerns.
Body size tells us NOTHING, and it’s time to really talk about why the diagnostic criteria and the popular media keep pushing this sizeist agenda!
Written by Ashley Seruya, B.A.
If you want to explore more on gentle nutrition and intuitive eating, the best way is to join Erica’s online course and learn to become an Intuitive Eater!
Intuitive Eating Essentials Online course is a self-paced program that explores your relationship with food, your dieting history, readiness to integrate intuitive eating into your life, and teaches you how to use your values to make peace with food. This program also offers a bonus module of training for women in Midlife, Menopause and Beyond with special lessons dedicated to how we change as we age and what role nutrition can play. Click here for all the details!
You will learn:
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“Diving into nutrition too early can derail your intuitive eating journey.” – 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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