Eating Disorder Awareness Week: A Dietitian’s Perspective

Eating disorders are complex, serious, and often misunderstood conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. As an eating disorder dietitian, I see firsthand the physical, emotional, and psychological toll these illnesses take on individuals and their loved ones. In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I want to shed light on these conditions, debunk common myths, and highlight the role of nutrition in recovery.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are not simply about food or weight; they are serious mental health conditions with deep-rooted emotional and psychological components. They can affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. Some of the most common eating disorders include:

Anorexia Nervosa – Characterized by restrictive eating, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image.

Bulimia Nervosa – Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – Defined by frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by feelings of shame and loss of control.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Involves restrictive eating not driven by body image concerns but rather by sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or lack of interest in food.

The Role of an Eating Disorder Dietitian

Many people assume that dietitians simply help with meal planning, but when it comes to eating disorders, our role is much deeper. As an eating disorder dietitian, I work to:

✅ Break the Cycle of Restriction and Fear – Many individuals struggling with eating disorders experience extreme fear around certain foods. I help them gradually reintroduce foods in a way that feels safe and supportive. I also help to ensure that they are eating enough and meeting their nutritional needs.

✅ Promote Intuitive Eating – Rather than following rigid food rules, I guide clients to reconnect with their hunger and fullness cues, helping them eat in a way that honors both their physical and emotional well-being.

✅ Provide a Non-Diet, Weight-Inclusive Approach – Eating disorders can impact people at any size, and weight does not determine health. My focus is on overall well-being rather than weight control.

✅ Support Emotional Healing – Food is deeply tied to emotions, past experiences, and cultural influences. As part of a treatment team, I work alongside therapists, doctors, and other professionals to help clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies.

Challenging Common Myths About Eating Disorders

🚫 Myth: Eating disorders are just about vanity.
✅ Truth: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions with biological, psychological, and social influences. They are not simply about wanting to look a certain way.

🚫 Myth: Only underweight individuals have eating disorders.
✅ Truth: Eating disorders affect people of all sizes. Many individuals with eating disorders appear to be at a “normal” weight, yet they may be struggling internally.

🚫 Myth: Recovery is just about eating more or less.
✅ Truth: While restoring balanced eating is part of recovery, healing also involves addressing body image issues, coping mechanisms, and emotional triggers.

How You Can Help Raise Awareness

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a time to challenge stigma, provide education, and encourage open conversations. Here’s how you can make a difference:

📣 Educate Yourself and Others – Learn about the signs, symptoms, and realities of eating disorders. Share resources and challenge harmful diet culture messages.

❤️ Support Those Who Are Struggling – If a loved one is showing signs of disordered eating, approach them with compassion and encourage them to seek professional help.

📱 Be Mindful of Social Media Messages – Unfollow accounts that promote harmful dieting or unrealistic body standards. Follow weight-inclusive, body-positive professionals instead.

🌿 Advocate for a Non-Diet Approach – Shift conversations away from weight and dieting and towards overall well-being, self-care, and a balanced relationship with food.

Final Thoughts

As an eating disorder dietitian, my mission is to help individuals heal their relationship with food and reclaim their lives. Eating disorder recovery is possible, but it requires awareness, support, and a commitment to challenging the harmful narratives that fuel disordered eating.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, I encourage you to seek help. Recovery is not just about food—it’s about finding freedom, self-compassion, and healing.

For more information on how I can support you, reach out to schedule a consultation. You are not alone in this journey. 💛