In alignment with National Nutrition Month and National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, HopeNet hosted, Maddi Osburn, RDN, LD, owner of Flexible Nutrition for a training session with HopeNet therapists. During her time with us, Maddi shared information on eating disorders, diet culture, weight science, weight stigmatization and also shared the Health at Every Size® framework.

Health at Every Size (HAES)® is a lifestyle that encourages healthy eating and enjoyable physical activity as a way to feel better and live longer. HAES® does not believe weight loss or dieting is the way to become healthy. There is scientific evidence that supports this idea. Learn more about size diversity and Health at Every Size®.

FACT: Eating disorders have the SECOND highest mortality rate of all mental disorders. 

This is a deeply troubling statistic and the truth is that we all likely know someone suffering from disordered eating which so quickly can become an eating disorder. It is important to recognize the signs of disordered eating. Here are a few to consider:

  1. Obsessive thoughts about food, eating or weight

  2. Struggling to eat in front of others

  3. Developing rigid Rituals or rules around eating

  4. Body dissatisfaction that interferes with daily activities

  5. Eliminating food groups or experimenting with diets

  6. Exercise is an antidote or “reward” for eating

  7. Other unexplained physical symptoms such as chronic stomach issues, feeling cold all the time or frequent gastrointestinal symptoms

If you are someone you know is struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder it’s important to know that recovery is possible. HopeNet is here to help and provide resources.