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How Can I Make the Eating Disorder Community More Inclusive?
Eating disorder sufferers often face excruciating circumstances before connecting to treatment. Sadly, many of the stereotypes and stigmas about eating disorders make it difficult for those dealing with eating disorders to come forward about their struggles and ask for the help that is needed to recover.
Eating disorders, like other mental illnesses, are often shrouded in shame, often causing a person to feel embarrassed, even guilty about the challenges they may be facing.
As a result, countless individuals who are facing a daily struggle with an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, are not connecting with the many helpful resources supporting recovery and healing.
Eating Disorders Do Not Discriminate
Making the eating disorder community more inclusive and promoting a message of diversity can help bring better awareness and understanding about the stigmas sufferers may be facing. It is commonly thought that eating disorders are something with which white, adolescent females will struggle.
Yet, this stereotype completely excludes a multitude of people who may suffer from these mental illnesses. The reality is that eating disorders do not discriminate and can develop in a person regardless of age, gender, culture, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other similar factors [1].
Eating disorders can occur at any life stage, at any age, and for a variety of complex reasons, including biological and environmental influences. For a multitude of reasons, including cultural influences and effects of media, the stereotypes revolving around eating disorders are continually perpetuated.
This damages minority and marginalized groups who struggle with eating disorders and may already lack the appropriate care for treatment. Some of the individuals who may be underrepresented in the eating disorder community include people of color, men, ethnic minorities, minority youth, and eating disorders among non-caucasians [2].
While these types of individuals may not be seen in the mainstream media, it is clear that eating disorders do not discriminate and affect a wide number of people around the world.
Understanding Body Size Discrimination
In addition to challenging the stereotypes about eating disorder sufferers, it is important to challenge body size myths associated with eating disorders. These myths are also a damaging perception that prevents many individuals from seeking out appropriate care and assistance for their eating disorder.
Eating disorders are primarily thought to only occur in individuals who are extremely thin and underweight. However, eating disorders can develop in a person regardless of their body size, shape, or weight.
Weight in itself is not a determining factor for an eating disorder, yet many individuals may not think they are “sick enough” for treatment if they are not thin or underweight. Weight bias is defined as “negative weight-related attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, and judgments toward individuals who are overweight and obese” [3].
Likewise, many health professionals and primary care providers may miss screening opportunities for eating disorders among individuals who are overweight or obese.
Sadly, many individuals in this weight category experience discrimination in the healthcare system, which can serve as a roadblock in connecting to treatment resources for eating disorder recovery.
Even well-intended public health interventions can manifest weight discrimination. Overall, weight discrimination can lead to adverse health consequences and typically does not create any motivation for change, particularly among those who are directly experiencing weight bias.
Being aware of weight bias and discrimination can be the first step toward changing and challenging these dangerous and harmful perspectives, particularly for those dealing with eating disorders.
Creating a More Inclusive Community
To increase the effectiveness of awareness, advocacy, outreach efforts, and treatment, working to create a more inclusive community is essential. This awareness includes challenging stigmas and stereotypes that have long been established as truths, but in reality, are harming those who are suffering.
Giving adequate time, attention, and space to the eating disorder sufferers who may be underrepresented can help increase awareness of the impact of these mental health diseases. It can also work toward creating a more inclusive eating disorder community.
If you have suffered from an eating disorder and have felt excluded for any reason, whether it be your gender, ethnicity, weight, etc., it is important to know that your life is valuable and you are deserving of care, healing, and recovery.
About the Author: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Contributing Writer for Eating Disorder Hope.
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: National Eating Disorder Association, “What Are Eating Disorders?”, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/what-are-eating-disorders Accessed 15 August 2017[2]: National Eating Disorder Association, “Race, Ethnicity and Culture”, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/race-ethnicity-and-culture Accessed 15 August 2017
[3]: Washington RL. Childhood obesity: issues of weight bias. Preventing chronic disease. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2011/sep/10_0281.htm. Accessed 15 August 2017
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on October 5, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 5, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
