Seasonal Blues - the Warmer Side of it
By Kimberly Dennis, M.D.
Medical Director of Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
July 1, 2010
It happens each year. As the weather gets warmer, we are invited to pool parties and trips to the beach. Our clothing is thinner and less substantial. We may have to wear a bathing suit or fit into that dress for a special occasion, such as a wedding. This increase in exposure can exacerbate negative body perceptions and increase feelings of inadequacy for many people.
It's no wonder that eating disorders may surface or worsen during this time of the year. Many people begin spring and summer thinking they need to lose a few pounds to look good on the beach or in the chapel. Some people try crash diets, rigorous exercise regimens, or less commonly, a cycle of binging and purging. Positive reinforcement of weight loss by peers could cause a person to feel like he or she must maintain that type of body to feel good about him or herself. This can trigger or reinforce eating disorder behavior.
Prevention, early detection and specialized treatment of eating disorders are essential for the health of our nation. In the United States, as many as 10 million people have eating disorders, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
No time of year need be compromised by poor body image. Consider these tips for better health and personal outlook:
- Crash diets are NOT the answer: Eating healthfully is the only way to maintain consistent and healthy weight. If a doctor determines you have a weight issue, consult a nutritionist to help you develop a sustainable plan of eating that will result in achieving a healthier weight over time. Many people with eating disorders are not clinically overweight — they simply view themselves in a distorted fashion. It's best to consult with a doctor if you want advice about losing weight. Crash diets could cause the pounds to drop off quickly, but that weight loss will be difficult to maintain long term. Yo-yo dieting is extremely taxing on the body's major organ systems, and the overall trend for such dieting is ultimate weight gain due to changes in the body's metabolism caused by extreme dieting.
- Engage in a variety of summertime activities: The warm weather isn't only about basking in the sun at the beach. Participating in sports, walking, hiking, boating, bicycling, and other outdoor activities are good for the mind and the body. If physical activity is challenging for you, consider lightening the load by asking a friend or two to join you. Research indicates that moderate exercise can release endorphins in the body, creating a feeling of euphoria and a positive mood. These activities can also promote feelings of accomplishment, which goes a long way toward helping personal image.
- Recognize that you're not alone: Many people begin to notice that distorted eating habits are affecting their lives, their happiness, and their ability to concentrate. If you experience any symptoms of an eating disorder or if someone approaches you with concern, I encourage you talk honestly about what you're going through. Seek consultation from an eating disorder professional. If not identified or treated during the early stages, eating disorders have greater chance of become chronic, debilitating and life-threatening. There are various approaches to treating eating disorders, and it's important to find an option that fits for you. I can assure you that help and recovery are there for you—just don't stop looking until you find what works!
Kimberly Dennis, MD, is the medical director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. Located in Lemont, Ill., TK is designed exclusively for women and adolescent girls with emotional disorders, including eating disorders, addiction, mood disorders and other co-occurring disorders. Dr. Dennis is a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
