Eating Disorders Don’t Have a Look
“You don’t look like you would have an eating disorder.”
Crazier things have never been said. Here’s the thing, eating disorders don’t have a look.
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It’s a myth that eating disorders are typically portrayed by a “skinny” individual. But the reality is far from that stereotype. Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their outward appearance. They don't discriminate based on size, shape, or weight.
Someone struggling with an eating disorder may seem to have it all together on the outside – a successful career, a loving family, a picture-perfect life. But inside, they may be battling overwhelming stress, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts about food.
This is just a reminder that we can't judge someone's struggles based on appearances alone. Just because someone looks healthy on the outside doesn't mean they're not fighting a difficult battle within.
In this episode, we’re talking about:
The misconception surrounding the appearance of eating disorders.
What the media portrays eating disorders as.
The outside appearance vs. the internal thoughts.
The danger of stereotyping.
The level of distress a person experiences due to their relationship with food.
Functional eating disorders.
Recovery from an eating disorder.
Outward appearances often don't reflect inner struggles, and reaching out for help is a vital step toward healing and recovery.
Tweetable Quotes
"When eating disorders were portrayed in the media, they said ‘If you don't look like this, you don't have an eating disorder’ and what's really ridiculous about that is that the majority of people who struggle with eating disorders actually don't look like that." - Rachelle Heinemann
"If we think about what an eating disorder looks like, there is no such thing." - Rachelle Heinemann
"The ultimate goal is for us to create some sort of harmony that if this is what you present on the outside, at the very least, you feel somewhat similar internally." - Rachelle Heinemann
"What is so incredible about the recovery journey is that it doesn't have to be the biggest disconnect between your insides and your outsides." - Rachelle Heinemann
Resources
Related Episodes
Episode 110. Body Positivity is a Farce
Episode 98. Body Stuff with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
Episode 77. How to Accept Your Body
Episode 76. The Basics of Health at Every Size
Episode 69. High Functioning Eating Disorders
Episode 62. Perfectionism and Disordered Eating with Colby Golder, RD
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Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
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