In my twenties I made a decision that shaped the rest of my life. I participated in a reality TV program called The Biggest Loser. It was in its infancy at the time, only on its third season. I had no idea what to expect when I signed on. I just bought into the idea that to be healthy or happy I needed to be smaller. Instead, I became unhealthier, developed disordered eating, and hated my body more than I ever had.
Building off last year’s success and continued relevance, we want you to Come as You Are again for NEDAwareness Week 2020! From February 24th to March 1st, we encourage our community to embrace this year’s theme, Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20, by reflecting on the positive steps they’ve taken — including those stemming from setbacks or challenges — toward accepting themselves and others.
Eating disorder recovery does not occur in isolation. In fact, research shows that a full recovery is achieved through relationships with self, others, and a higher purpose. Treatment is most successful when clients develop a relationship with self beyond their eating disorder; a connection to others; and a deeper sense of self-worth and purpose.
Medical support has long been a pillar in the treatment of eating disorders; however, historically, this medical support has been delivered in the form of psychiatric care. While psychiatric care is fundamental to eating disorder treatment, medical care should also encompass nursing care and care by an internist or family practitioner familiar with the medical complications of eating disorders. I
