The average American will gain one or two pounds during the holidays.
That’s not typically anything to worry about for most of us and it’s usually fairly easy to get rid of by cutting back calories for a while or moderately increasing exercise. But for some of us, those one or two pounds can send us into a devastating spiral of self-doubt and depression, leading to binging, purging, overexercising and more. Now think about the folks who deal with those feelings every day of the year.
Eating disorders affect every single group of humans. People of every race, age, gender identity and sexual orientation and background struggle with eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia nervosa and overexercising. 28.8 million Americans will suffer with an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
Eating disorders are complicated mental conditions that we kind of like to sweep under the rug. But it’s been a taboo subject for far too long. Let’s discuss some of the signs and symptoms and then some ways to get help.
Signs
Inability to achieve body acceptance so much so that it interferes with daily life – This goes beyond self-esteem issues which most of us deal with from time to time. If body shape or size is a constant thought, that’s a near certain pathway to disordered eating. It could lead to obsessive weighing, avoiding social activities, only wearing baggy clothes in order to “hide” and the avoidance or obsession with looking in mirrors.
Exercising to negate calories consumed – Using exercise as a fix for having overindulged or simply feeling like you overindulged even if you didn’t, is a very common sign of disordered eating. Food shouldn’t be treated like a reward for exercising and this behavior can lead to overexercising to the point of injury and illness. It can also lead to purging, which can cause serious long-term health issues like heart problems.
Obsessing over weight or food – This one can include things like choosing to go on a fad diet, starts obsessively counting/logging calories, compulsively exercising.
Striking foods completely from the diet – While trying to cut back on sugar, red meat or alcohol can be good for you, things like eliminating every single carb or never eating white foods are not healthy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these things, there’s help available, and you are absolutely not alone. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) gives support to those struggling. You can even talk to professional counselors and join peer support groups. You can also reach out to your health care provider and/or your mental health care provider. Our relationship to food and exercise doesn’t have to be complicated and there are numerous resources to help if you’re struggling.
About RevanRx
Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.
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