My goodness, there has been a lot of eating disorder content in the news lately. (Cool!) Since my last blog post (I am new to this blog-thing), articles have addressed—and hopefully inspired conversation about—some worthwhile topics.
Mid and later-life onset eating disorders received some media attention. I am glad for this because eating problems, diets that turn dangerous, and full-blown eating disorders don’t discriminate—nearly all ages can be affected.
Speaking of age, let’s talk about some sad and awakening information regarding children and eating disorders. In an article by local news station, “WCSC, Live 5 News,” Dr. Timothy Brewerton, a well-known figure in the eating disorder industry, called attention to the fact that children as young as five and six are being affected by eating disorders. The article states that in the state of South Carolina, nearly 50,000 children are fighting an eating disorder.
Next, “pregorexia” received some needed attention. Between the media and Internet bashings and praise that Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton received during their pregnancies, it is no wonder that women might be increasingly losing their freedom and their ability to enjoy the natural changes that occur in female bodies when pregnant. Maybe I am a bit antiquated, but I remember a time when negative body-talk about pregnant prominent figures seemed more off-limits than it does now. (Ahhhh, I yearn for some of yesteryear-values. On the other hand, maybe I just wasn’t as aware of damaging messages back then. Who knows.) For people vulnerable to eating disorders, pregnancy can be a painful, tormenting, and dangerous time for both Mom and baby.
Finally, Amy Winehouse’s brother credits her death to body-deterioration from bulimia more than the drugs. Knowing how taxing and damaging the bulimia practices can be to one’s body (and, yes—I know it doesn’t feel that way if or when you have an eating disorder), I can see how he came to this conclusion. I mean think about it—the practices of bulimia go against nature’s innate flow for human survival. Anytime we oppose or attempt to control nature, there are eventual or immediate consequences.
There you have it. This is my sort of free-flow recap of eating disorder news these past few weeks. Thanks for reading!
