Educating the public about the prevalence of eating disorders while providing hope and resources for those challenged by disordered eating and body image issues is a key driver of the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW).
"Every BODY Belongs" is the theme of this year's NEDAW recognized Feb. 23 through March 1 by the National Eating Disorders Association and professional clinicians including Endeavor Health eating disorders service manager Jacqueline Sierzega, PsyD.
"We're helping to deliver the message to our local communities to raise awareness of eating disorders and encourage people to be aware of potential warning signs," said Dr. Sierzega. "Nine percent of the US population will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, which translates to approximately 30 million Americans, however disordered eating behaviors are so common up to 60% of women will experience behaviors in their lifetime."
Eating disorders can lead to a host of severe health issues and are among the most lethal mental illnesses, yet they often go undiagnosed. "It's so common for people to have unhealthy 'rules' around eating and the condition often gets swept under the rug," said Dr. Sierzega.
The explosion in social media and fitness influencers is helping fuel unrealistic goals and disordered eating. "We are just inundated with messages about weight loss," said Dr. Sierzega. "And this can be hard even for people in recovery. We try and offer healthy resources and provide suggestions for more positive sites to follow."
Disordered eating strikes people of all ages, sizes and genders. One of the common misconceptions is that you have to be really thin to have an eating disorder. "People in larger bodies can often restrict food or food groups. Not taking in proper nutrition negatively impacts all the major organs including your heart and brain," added Dr. Sierzega.
Eating disorders are varied, but common warning signs include:
- Preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories and/or dieting
- Refusing to eat and/or eliminating entire food groups
- Frequent body checking—weighing themselves, looking in mirrors
Disordered eating very often occurs in combination with other mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies.
Comprehensive treatment works
The good news is that treatment for eating disorders is very, very successful, emphasized Dr. Sierzega.
Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital's nationally recognized eating disorders program in Naperville offers expert, multidisciplinary care for adults and adolescents 11 years and older. Patients work with therapists to help identify and treat underlying issues, dietitians to help develop personalized meal plans to ensure adequate nutrition and nurses and physicians for medication management.
The program treats a full range of conditions including:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- ARFID (Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder)
- Body image disorders
An inpatient unit helps with nutrition rehabilitation for people who are severely underweight and/or dealing with suicidal feelings, while an outpatient day program (PHP/IOP) offers group, family, individual therapy, medication and nutrition support.
Parents, teachers, counselors and healthcare providers throughout the community provide referrals for the program.
"Eating disorders are medically complex and we have a full medical team to help treat our patients," said Dr. Sierzega. "We urge people not to go it alone and to seek comprehensive therapy provided by an experienced team."
