{
  "id": 12077606,
  "title": "BOOK EXTRACT: My best friend, ED: Evolution of an eating disorder from childhood into adulthood",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/book-extract-my-best-friend-ed-evolution-of-an-eating-disorder-from",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T05:08:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-05-my-best-friend-ed-evolution-of-an-eating-disorder-from-childhood-into-adulthood/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In her memoir, \"My Best Friend ED\", Katherine Luden recounts the origins and evolution of her eating disorder from childhood into adulthood. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, fueled by stigma and discomfort that prevents open discussions. The author sought guidance from over 30 specialists while writing the book, emphasizing the need for responsible storytelling without glamorizing or promoting counterproductive ideas about the illness, which has one of the highest mortality rates among mental health conditions.\n\nThe first seed of her disorder was planted at eight years old, witnessing her primary schoolmates undergo ritualistic weigh-ins under the watchful eyes of nurses and officials. Being the heaviest girl in class instilled shame, leading to a belief that her body was flawed and required urgent repair. This shame germinated into adulthood, as her changing body reinforced the notion that she was indeed a problem. Physical training, initially fun and healthy, morphed into militant penance as she equated eating and exercise with punishment. Over time, ED became all-consuming, dictating every aspect of her life, from what she ate to how much she moved. Despite her efforts to break free, she found herself relying on her parents for support during adulthood, as her disorder took control of decision-making and self-worth.",
  "summary": "In this extract of her memoir, ‘My Best Friend ED’, Katherine Luden traces the origins of her debilitating illness.",
  "key_points": [
    "Katherine Luden's eating disorder began at age eight witnessing ritualistic weigh-ins",
    "Shame from being the heaviest girl led to belief her body was flawed",
    "Physical training evolved into militant penance equating food/exercise with punishment"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The author's candid account of her lifelong struggle with an eating disorder underscores the devastating impact of stigma and early experiences on mental health, highlighting the need for open discussions and responsible storytelling.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}