Waging War Against Anorexia and Bulimia

According to studies by the EDC (Eating Disorders Coalition), at least 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia and bulimia in their lifetime; four out of ten individuals have either personally experienced one or know someone who has, and eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

These are frightening statistics, and the numbers are likely only getting higher as our society emerges into a post-pandemic world fraught with complex problems and myriad uncertainties.

An eating disorder is defined as an unhealthy way of using food to cope with psychological stress, with a few common presentations. Anorexia nervosa centers around a restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to significantly low body weight in the context of age and physical health.

Anorexia creates a disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, with a persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the individual’s low body weight.

Bulimia nervosa relates to recurrent episodes of binge eating, which are characterized by both the inordinate consumption of an amount of food in a discrete period (for example, within any two-hour period), with a sense of lack of control during the episode, followed by recurrent, inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics or other medications, or excessive exercise.

Numerous factors can give rise to conditions like anorexia and bulimia, and these are both internal and external. While men and women and both prone to these eating disorders, they affect mostly women, and often begin in the early teenage years, as issues of self-esteem, body image, and peer pressure take root.

Eating disorders can be seen in children as young as eight years old, with a child who desires a sense of control. The internal factors are linked to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, awkwardness, difficulty in managing emotions, and a tendency toward perfection; whereas external circumstances like a big move, divorce, family issues, and parents who put on pressure to perform can lead to the use of food as a tool to deal with emotional and psychological wounds.

If a child is highly involved in a competitive sport like gymnastics, ballet, figure skating, rowing, or long-distance running, they could be at a higher risk of developing Anorexia or Bulimia, so it’s important to be extra cautious about looking out for warning signs and creating a safe space to discuss feelings around weight.

Weapons to combat anorexia and bulimia

In such a highly pressured environment, with relentless demands on teens from all fronts, it is not surprising that so many turn to food control to manufacture a sense of stability or acceptance. Our world places excessive value on looking good and staying thin, so to help individuals battle anorexia and bulimia, a Christian counselor needs to attack these lies with the powerful truth of what God says in His word. These include:

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27, ESV

This is the foundation of self-acceptance. The Almighty God, Creator of the universe, saw fit to bring you into the world, and saw that you were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139: 14). God doesn’t make mistakes, and he has given you a place of honor as one of His children.

This truth can be difficult to digest if a person is fighting a condition like anorexia and bulimia, but once they truly understood, it is the starting point for change and an image based on our identity in Christ, rather than self-esteem.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30, NIV

A counselor working with someone battling an eating disorder needs to persuade them that God has a completely different view of beauty than the world. For God, outward appearances matter far less than the heart, and what God is after is a heart that is submissive to His will. Meditating on Scriptures such as the one above is a powerful tool, together with praying for a changed mind and perspective.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8, NIV

God not only created us in His image, but he loves us fiercely; so much so that he sent his very own Son to die on the cross to redeem a people for Himself. Reflecting on the gospel and being changed by it can surely only produce a response of gratitude and a desire to serve him, rather than self-infliction through eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. It might sound simplistic, but unpacking God’s word is essential to get to the heart of the matter.

Being held captive by what is essentially a slave can lead to poor mental health. Verses such as Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” can be very encouraging, both for the person experiencing the disorder and for their parents, family, and friends.

Tools for prevention

If your child is still young, and not in the trap of an eating disorder, you can take steps to create an environment more conducive to avoiding such traps. These include things like being very careful about how you discuss topics around weight and appearance and making your home a place where it is safe to discuss thoughts and feelings.

If there are disruptive circumstances, do your best to engage around the situation, and seek counseling for every family member if necessary or possible. Highlight your child’s strengths but don’t focus on physical appearance.

Instead, look at the gifts or talents God has given that are unique to them and which they can ultimately use for His glory. Try to encourage solid friendships with other believers, and do wholesome activities that are enriching for the whole family.

If your child is suffering, don’t hesitate to get professional help. They might be able to be booked into a clinic where they can receive treatment, which might be a multi-faceted approach consisting of therapy sessions, a healthy exercise routine, structured mealtimes with professionals, engaging in creative pursuits such as journaling or art, and helping others, as it’s when we reach out to serve others that we tend to forget ourselves and this boosts our happiness.

Eating disorders like Anorexia and Bulimia are essentially a form of addiction, as the sufferer is obsessed with losing weight or looking a certain way. Addictions are not easily abolished, but the good news is that by focusing on Christ and replacing the worship of idols like a thin body with the worship of the true God, victory is possible.

Many people who have struggled with an eating disorder for some time feel completely alone and can often suffer in silence as they feel that telling someone will lead to disappointment or rejection. It’s vital to point out that they are loved and going to be taken care of, and that the sooner the healing process begins, the better.

Finding out that a child has an eating disorder can also take its toll on parents and family members, who could benefit from counseling as well to walk the journey with their loved ones toward recovery. Ultimately, while it might feel like all hope is lost, provided that an individual admits they need help, much can be done to reverse the negative effects and help them shift to a more positive space where they can enjoy the life God has given them fully.