A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is often mistaken for “picky eating” but involves severe food avoidance or restriction. This condition often flies under the radar during childhood, so many adults remain undiagnosed. ARFID in adults includes inflexible eating patterns, fear-based food restrictions, and sensitivity to food textures or appearances. Causes vary, including biological, genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Adults with…

Anyone who has ever lived with an eating disorder likely understands the fact that illnesses like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED) rarely exist in a vacuum. That means eating disorders are often accompanied by other psychiatric and medical conditions, including everything from anxiety to cardiac problems. While depression is one of the most common conditions to…

How to Use Labs to Detect and Treat Refeeding Syndrome The use of labs in the identification and treatment of refeeding syndrome offers insight into what electrolytes and substances are abnormal and how deficiencies need to be addressed. Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal shift in fluids and electrolytes, caused by hormonal and metabolic changes that occur in a malnourished…

If you're recovering from an eating disorder, work with your treatment team to determine when it’s appropriate to incorporate mindful movement and exercise back into your routine. If appropriate, reintroduce physical activity gradually and mindfully. Begin with gentle movement and avoid triggering activities, like using technology to track exercise. Exercise should be enjoyable, not depleting. For athletes, reintroduction should be…

Gideon Whitehead says he’s struggled with ARFID for as long as he can remember. Because many people aren't aware that ARFID in adults even occurs, this was often isolating. “As an adult, I've felt secluded with my diagnosis. I tried a lot of things to hide it from those I loved,” he says. Whitehead, who is a peer mentor at…

The holidays usually fill our lives with joy, cheer, and the spirit of unity. They typically include times for celebration, enjoying feasts, and expressing gratitude. However, for those on a recovery journey from eating disorders, the holiday season might present a unique set of challenges. The holiday season is usually characterized by an emphasis on food, festivities, and occasionally, stressful…

Body image issues are a growing concern for adolescents, and parents and family play a crucial role in shaping their children's self-perceptions. While social media is often blamed for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, parental attitudes and behaviors are also significant contributors to body image concerns. Understanding the impact parents have on their children's self-esteem and eating habits can help children…

On October 25, 2024, Meta and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders hosted the first-ever Eating Disorder & Body Image Safety Summit, a collaborative initiative dedicated to creating safer online spaces for individuals impacted by eating disorders and body image concerns. This one-of-a-kind summit brought together voices from various fields, including clinicians, policy experts, advocates, and creators, each driven by…

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are dangerous conditions, and they’re on the rise. (1) A number of factors contribute to the development of eating disorders, including psychological, biological, and environmental considerations. But an issue that’s gaining increasing attention is body shaming. A form of bullying, this behavior is a double-edged sword, working to both target and torment individuals and…

You look in the mirror for what feels like all hours of the day. You cannot stop fixating on your perceived “flaws,” frequently examining your face for blemishes and picking at your skin to try to make it look “smooth.” These near-constant thoughts about your appearance are taking over your life, affecting your relationships, passions, school, and work. You may…