"The Inside Scoop on Eating Disorders: What They Are and Why They're a Social Justice Issue"

    Recently, we have gotten allot of people asking us, "What are eating disorders?" "What are the most common types of eating disorders?" "How are eating disorders related to Social Justice?" And so we figured we should create a post about it! 

Disclaimer: 

"While we are looking through a social justice and body liberated lens, we must acknowledge our biases and privileges. While we take steps to stay educated, we are always willing to be corrected and admit that we don't have ALL the answers or ALL the different perspectives. All of us humans, are flawed and we are no exception. Please help us keep this space a BRAVE SPACE. We welcome education, being corrected, and other perspectives + experiences."

Eating Disorders Explained

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, or background. They don't discriminate against & impact people of ALL bodies, views, and lifestyles. These disorders involve unhealthy behaviors around food, activity, and body image that can have severe physical and emotional consequences if left untreated. In this blog post, we're going to explore some of the more common types of eating disorders and provide a better understanding of them from a social justice perspective. Let's dive right in!

What are the Most Common Types of Eating Disorders?

• (ARFID) Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
• Anorexia
• (BED) Binge Eating Disorder
• Bulimia
• Pica 
• Rumination Disorder
• (OSFED) Other Specified Feeding/ Eating Disorder

Reminder! These are not ALL of them, and some people struggle with multiple symptoms from multiple eating disorders. There may even be a day when science determines that eating disorders are along a spectrum and that people who don't currently meet the diagnostic criteria, may one day be included. 

ARFID Explained

    ARFID stands for "Avoidant Restrictive Food/ Intake Disorder" and it's a type of eating disorder that is often severely misunderstood. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID doesn't have a whole lot to do with body image or weight concerns. Instead, it's characterized by extreme pickiness or an aversion to certain foods or food groups. ARFID can be challenging because it can make it really difficult to get the nutrition you need to stay healthy.
    Think about it, if you have a fear of an entire food group like say veggies, you wouldn't be able to consume any of the vital nutrients from veggies. You'd have to resort to lots of supplements and vitamins. This is obviously a very extreme example, but you get the point. This can also cause severe anxiety and distress around meal times, which can impact your social life and overall well-being. People with ARFID often face allot of stigma and misunderstanding, and may even struggle to access the care they need. We need to work towards a more inclusive and understanding society that recognizes the diversity of our eating habits and preferences. While typically diagnosed in early childhood through adolescents, it is important to note that due to lack of education or access to certain resources, you may not even know you are struggling with an eating disorder like ARFID until mid to late adulthood. 

Common Symptoms Include:

• a lack of interest in food or avoidance of certain foods or entire food groups
• May experience weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, & or difficulty socializing around food
• Difficulty with textures, smells, colors, combos, food touching, colored liquid fears, & OCD like symptoms are very common as well

    If you or someone you know is struggling with ARFID, it's important to know that you're not alone and that help is available. Treatment often involves working with a healthcare provider and/or a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. They can help you identify the underlying causes aside from the obvious genetic predisposition, and they can help work with you to develop a plan of action. 

    Remember, in an ideal world, food would be a source of pleasure and nourishment, not fear or anxiety. If you're struggling with ARFID like symptoms, there is hope for recovery and a fulfilling relationship with food.

Anorexia Explained

    Next we are going to explore Anorexia. Anorexia is another serious disorder that affects millions of people around the world regardless of what society says. Anyone, regardless of shape or size can be impacted by Anorexia. It is typically characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and restrictive eating behaviors. Note that there are different sub types of this disorder and that not all people will fall under the very narrow view that society and the media has depicted of this disorder. Eating disorders do not have a specific look. 

    AN can have a devastating impact on both physical and mental health. It can lead to malnutrition, organ damage, and even death if left untreated. It can also cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. 

Common Symptoms include: 

• preoccupation with food, body weight, & shape
• restriction of food intake (which can lead to significant weight loss)
• malnutrition- thinning hair, discoloration of skin, dark thick hair growth, bone loss, and more
• physical symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, & low blood pressure- fainting spells
• A distorted perception of  body size & shape

    It's also important to recognize that Anorexia is a social justice issue. It's not just a personal problem, but a societal problem that's influenced by factors like body standards, weight stigma, and social pressures to conform to certain beauty ideals. We need to work towards a more inclusive and accepting society that celebrates diversity in all bodies and promotes a neutral body image for ALL BODIES.

BED Explained

    Binge eating disorder aka BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable eating, often followed by feelings of guilt or shame. BED can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. It can lead to many physical health conditions as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It's often stigmatized and misunderstood, and people with BED face LOTS of discrimination and bias because of their weight or eating habits. We need to work towards a more inclusive and accepting society that promotes ALL bodies and celebrates the diversity of our bodies.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Involves recurrent Binges (episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort) Can be objective or Subjective
• People with BED can feel out of control during these episodes & may eat alone because of shame due their behavior
•  BED can lead to obesity, diabetes, & cardiovascular disease- ultimately leading to death
  

    Society is merely making the issue worse by instilling shame and guilt into many, if not everyone who is struggling with BED. Remember, you are not alone and there is hope for recovery. With the right support and resources, you can develop a healthy relationship with food and your body and live a happy, fulfilling life. 

Bulimia Explained

Bulimia, also stereotyped in our media as a "wealthy white girl disorder" is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. Bulimia can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. It can lead to electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and other health complications, as well as crippling anxiety, depression, and more. Typically there is allot of self hatred, feelings of a loss of control, followed by an attempt to restrict, but then the body overrides that desire due to survival mechanisms, thus resulting in overcompensation and bingeing. Then due to more shame and feelings of failure, the cycle starts all over again. 

It's also important to recognize that bulimia is often stigmatized and misunderstood, and people with bulimia face discrimination and bias because of their "normal" weight and perceived lack of control. We need to work towards a more inclusive and accepting society that supports individuals rather than punishing and ridiculing them for their struggles around food. 

Common Symptoms Include:

• Binge eating (Objective/ Subjective) followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise
• May engage in fasting or strict dieting in attempt to control or manipulate their weight
• Chip-monk cheeks, normal to higher than normal weight, bloating, water retention, dehydration 
• Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, & lots of dental problems, and ultimately death

Pica Explained

Pica is an eating disorder that involves consuming non-food items such as paper, dirt, or hair. It's a very Rare disorder, but it can have serious health consequences such as digestive problems, infections, and nutrient deficiencies. Pica is often associated with underlying emotional or psychological issues such as stress, trauma, or anxiety. Typically this disorder is most common in children and so please, if you notice a child struggling with eating non-food like substances, even if it seems like a phase, seek help to be safe!

Common Symptoms Include:

• Usually not talked about, mentioned or well researched!
• Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the consumption of non-food items such as dirt, paper, rubber, plastic, or hair
• Typically associated with nutritional deficiencies or developmental disorders, & can lead to gastrointestinal problems & other health issues

Rumination Disorder Explained

Rumination disorder is an eating disorder characterized by regurgitating and re-chewing food. It's often associated with underlying emotional or psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

Rumination disorder can have serious health consequences such as nutrient deficiencies and digestive problems. It's important to seek help from a healthcare provider and/or a therapist who specializes in eating disorders if you or someone you know is struggling with Rumination. It's also key to recognize that Rumination disorder is a social justice issue. Like all other eating disorders, it is often stigmatized and misunderstood.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Not usually talked about, mentioned or well researched
• Characterized by regurgitating food that has already been swallowed and then re-chewing it or spitting it out
• This disorder can lead to malnutrition and other serious physical health problems
• Typically in children and lots of deficiencies are related to this disorder

OSFED Explained

OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) is an eating disorder that doesn't fit the criteria for other specified disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. It's a serious disorder that can have physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Sadly, society and the current medical system is flawed and likes to deny people who don't fit into their cookie cutter molds access to the care that they so desperate need and deserve. OSFED can manifest in a variety of ways such as binge eating, purging, or restrictive eating. Regardless of our broken system, it is still important that everyone struggling with OSFED or even an undiagnosed version of any eating disorder, regardless of whether or not you meet the criteria perfectly, know that you are deserving of care and support! There are resources, support groups, and mental health professionals who will listen and believe you and your struggles. 

Common Symptoms Include:

• OSFED is a category that includes eating disorders that don't quite fit into the other categories
• This can include behaviors such as purging without binge eating or a mix of symptoms from different eating disorders
• If  there are not enough symptoms, criteria, or weight requirements are met- a person may be categorized as OSFED 

The rigidity of the DSM 5 and Diagnostic Criteria of Eating Disorders is BS

What causes eating disorders?

    Eating disorders are complex and can be caused by a variety of factors. They are NOT just a choice or a lifestyle, and they are NOT just about food. Biological factors such as genetics and hormonal imbalances, psychological factors such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression, and environmental factors such as societal pressure to look a certain way, can all contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Think "Bio-psycho-social" model. The right combination of genetic predispositions, temperament, and life experiences tend to all contribute to the onset of an eating disorder. 

Social justice & eating disorders

    It is important to mention that eating disorders are a social justice issue because they disproportionately affect marginalized communities such as people of color, L2SGBTQIA++ individuals, and people with disabilities. 

    These communities face unique challenges and barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare, including eating disorder treatment. We need to address systemic inequalities and work towards a more equitable and just healthcare system that provides equal access to care for all. It is up to us, as individuals, students, professionals, and as a society to demand change in the current systems so that everyone can gain access to the treatment and support that all bodies and all humans deserve. 

Getting help for eating disorders

    If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. While not everyone has equal access to medical and professional help, there are other resources available. Here at Recovery Hype Girl we are currently compiling resources for EVERYBODY.
    There are social media accounts that provide education, awareness about support groups that are free or low cost, ProjectHeal, NEDA, and TheRecoveryEDProect (on Instagram) are all amazing organizations that help support individuals find and access the care they need in their recovery from an eating disorder. Stay tuned for more resources, and be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates to resources and support! 

TLDR;

     Eating disorders can be life-threatening, and early intervention is crucial for recovery. They can be influenced by societal & cultural factors, such as unrealistic beauty standards, weight stigma, & diet culture. Addressing eating disorders requires a holistic approach that takes into account the individual's physical & mental health + their social & cultural context. 

    AKA: challenging harmful myths & stereotypes about body size & shape, promoting body diversity & acceptance + we need to be advocating for policies that address weight stigma & promote equitable access to healthcare.

Treatment for eating disorders often involves a combination of therapy, nutrition counseling, and medical care. This is not always accessible, but as a society, we can disrupt the current narrative that dictates who is deserving of access to care and recovery. 

    Together we can demand change and create a space where anyone who desires recovery is deserving of recovery and the tools to achieve it. There are many resources available for those seeking help, including hotlines, support groups, and specialized treatment centers.

    It's important to recognize the social justice issues surrounding eating disorders and work towards a more equitable and just healthcare system that provides equal access to care for all. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that recovery is possible with the right support and resources.

    Lemme know in the comments below if you have any questions or want to know any more specifics on any of the different types of eating disorders! We are here to support you all and are striving to create a community that provides education and resources that help spread awareness while also advocating for equity and access to care for eating disorders.