Eating Disorders: March 15th is “Lilac Ribbon” Day
By Naturale Bio
Eating disorders , a very delicate topic that we want to address in a respectful manner, to support the dissemination of these issues, which are still not talked about enough.
The March 15th There is also an important anniversary for raising awareness and consciousness regarding eating disorders: the “ Purple Ribbon ” day.
But what are eating disorders? And which are the “codified” ones?
Eating Disorders: Struggling with Yourself
Those who suffer from these pathologies transfer onto food all a strong and painful emotional baggage. In fact, it is thought that those who are experiencing an eating disorder are struggling with food. In reality, food is only a transference, a symbol, the obvious signal, the outlet, but the real struggle is much deeper.
Often, it is rooted in the relationship with the family, in the judgment towards oneself, in the relationship with partners, all amplified by a social context in which body shaming , exaltation of thinness and weight stigma are still deeply rooted.
Eating well, in a balanced and healthy way, even from a mental and emotional point of view, is essential: food is an ally of well-being, just as training should be fun and entertainment, not a punishment.
What are eating disorders and how widespread they are
Eating disorders, or DCA , are of different types and each individual who suffers from it can manifest this discomfort in a very personal way. However, there are some codified pathologies, including:
- Anorexia nervosa , which can lead to severe malnutrition
- Bulimia nervosa , often more difficult to detect, can have serious consequences on the body
- Binge eating disorder or binge eating syndrome, that is, episodes of overeating often followed by practices aimed at making "amends"
- Orthorexia , or the maniacal selection of permitted and forbidden foods
There would be many more to map carefully and many more details to provide on each of them, but we prefer to draw attention to how to realize that you are experiencing an eating disorder and how many people are affected by it today in Italy.
According to the Italian Society for the Study of Eating Disorders (SISDCA), these affect over 8,500 people in our country every year. Between 8 and 9 women out of 100,000 suffer from anorexia nervosa and 11-12 from bulimia nervosa. And unfortunately it is an increasing trend also among men: in 2019, new cases of anorexia stood at around 1 in 100,000 people and cases of bulimia at around 0.8.
Adolescents and school-age children are particularly affected, and the number of people who begin to suffer from it in adulthood is also increasing.
Bottom line: Eating disorders are real pathologies, ask for help
If food becomes your enemy but also the only thing on your mind during the day, if you deliberately exclude entire food categories, if you restrict calories to the point of counting even the smallest bite, if you have episodes of binge eating followed by moments of “punishment,” if you use exercise only as a way to “earn” your next meal, if you are isolating yourself from friends and public situations in order to eat alone… please stop and think and then ask for help.
There are dedicated counselors, specialized psychologists and nutritionists, support groups : no one is alone in this battle and asking for support is the first step to improving your relationship with food, with the mirror and with every aspect of your life.
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