If you think someone has an eating disorder, should you say something? A dietitian explains how to express concern without body shaming
Seeing a loved one lose significant weight or struggle with eating and exercise can be concerning. Approaching a conversation with respect and care can avoid the harms of speculation and silence.
If you suspect that someone you know may have an eating disorder, it is important to approach the situation with compassion and patience. When you notice that someone is losing weight, skipping meals, and speaking negatively about food and their body, it can be difficult to know how to express your concerns without causing harm. As a college campus dietitian and someone with personal experience of anorexia, I can offer guidance on how to navigate this delicate conversation.
First and foremost, it is crucial to avoid body shaming or making assumptions about someone's eating habits. Instead of starting the conversation with the assumption that they have an eating disorder, listen closely to their experiences and ask questions to better understand their situation. Respond with empathy and avoid making judgments.
It is also important to recognize that eating disorders are not just a "teen problem," and adults can also develop these severe mental illnesses. The prevalence of eating disorders has doubled worldwide between 2000 and 2018, and the rates have continued to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. These illnesses are not phases that someone can just "get over," but rather severe mental health conditions with serious medical complications.
Despite this, many people suffering from eating disorders may deny the severity of their illness and believe they are healthy. This can be due to societal messages that equate thinness with health and success. It is crucial to recognize that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their appearance or age.
While it can be jarring to see celebrities suffer from significant weight loss, it is important to remember that their weight loss may be due to other health conditions. As fans, it is not our place to comment on someone's body without concern for their health and wellbeing. Instead, we can choose our words carefully and express our support and concern for their health. By doing so, we can help to break down the stigma surrounding eating disorders and encourage those who are struggling to seek the help they need.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
