Food connects to many positive aspects of our lives. It is used as healthy nourishment for our body’s survival, a form of entertainment, celebration or form of social engagement with others, and for some food is considered a hobby, career, or form of artwork.
Although there are a large number of “foodies” in the United States, for many people food consumption is viewed as a bad habit, a worrisome chore. Up to 30 million Americans (of all ages and genders) suffer from an eating disorder, 35% of “normal dieters” progress to a pathological dieting style, and eating disorders are ranked as having the highest mortality rate among other mental illnesses. For these people eating has never been a natural, healthy pleasure, but instead a dreaded or avoided experience.
With such contrasting feelings and experiences with food, hurtful judgements are made; leading to misunderstandings of why someone restricts or overindulges in their food intake. “The Truth About Food Addiction and Other Eating Disorders,” a post written by Mike Kamo , discusses what food addictions or other disordered eating habits look or feel like and how genetics or specific ideologies may lead to a clinical diagnoses. He describes how an addiction to food does not necessarily mean you are compulsively eating, but that it also means being obsessed with thinking about food consumption (i.e. planning, worrying).
So, Check it out! This blogpost is not only a great resource for understanding the wide range of causes or symptoms experienced by those with disordered eating behaviors, but more importantly it reminds readers that food can become a more positive part of our lives. Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mind while also striving to be inclusive in the ways we help people with food related issues.
For additional information on Eating Disorders, you can visit the following links:
National Resources:
- https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eatingdisorders.html
- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders-new-trifold/index.shtml
Local (WI) Resources for Treatment:
- https://www.waldenliving.com
- https://www.rogershospital.org/eating-disorder-treatment
- http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-centers/wisconsin-wi
- http://www.anad.org/eating-disorders-get-help/treatment-centers/wisconsin/
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