A recent survey found 62% of people in the U.S. with anorexia experienced a worsening of symptoms after the pandemic hit. And nearly a third of Americans with binge-eating disorder, which is far more common, reported an increase in episodes.
Boogich / Getty Images
Boogich / Getty Images
A recent survey found 62% of people in the U.S. with anorexia experienced a worsening of symptoms after the pandemic hit. And nearly a third of Americans with binge-eating disorder, which is far more common, reported an increase in episodes.
Airdate: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Summer months are typically full of food festivals, cookouts, and picnics with friends and family. However, if you are dealing with an eating disorder, summer months can be overwhelming.
Eating Disorders involve complex and damaging relationships with food, eating, medicines like diet pills or laxatives, excessive exercise, and body image. They are serious and potentially life-threatening physical and mental health conditions.
Elizabeth Sabatino, Behavioral Health Therapist for the UPMC Center for Eating Disorders, says there are many different types of eating disorders.
“You can see some restrictive eating disorders; you can see eating disorders where someone is trying to control their weight or shape. You can see eating disorders where someone struggles with overeating.
Summer is a season of body comparison, with pool parties, social media, and trips to the beach. Sabatino says it can be tricky for those struggling with an eating disorder this time of year. There is also a big stigma around consuming large meals, and language around food.
“Language is so important. And so when we’re saying things like, “oh I’m cheating on my diet when I’m having this, there is that sensation that shame.”
Certified Nutrition Coach Jesse Cracco works with clients to unwind the relationship between food and experience.
“We want to get to a place food is not controlling us. We are making intentional choices, and we know the outcomes of the choices we are going to make… So learning to have actual balance and maintain their health, and speed up their metabolism by adding strength, versus feeling like they need to get smaller and eat less all the time.
Listen to the podcast, for more information on eating disorders and tips on nutrition.
