Eating Disorders Awareness Week is recognized just one week prior to Obesity Awareness Week, and they both happen at the beginning of National Nutrition Month. Every year at this time I find myself reflecting on my personal approach as a dietitian.
The dietitian community holds strong and divided opinions on approaches to weight and its role in an individual’s health. Some dietitians advocate for Health at Every Size (HAES), emphasizing a holistic approach to health and well-being over weight loss and challenging the classification of obesity as a disease. Others support the pursuit of weight loss, viewing obesity as a metabolic condition with potentially serious health consequences. Working in both eating disorder treatment and bariatric surgery during my career has given me a unique perspective. I recognize the harm of weight stigma. I recognize the harm of restrictive dieting. I support body neutrality and body positivity. I also support individuals wanting to pursue weight loss.
The pursuit of weight loss can be a gray area – when is it a healthy decision and when is it a disordered behavior? Weight loss efforts that enhance a person’s physical and mental well-being could be considered a healthy decision. When pursuit of weight loss is accompanied by feelings of anxiety and guilt, it is a sign of disordered behavior. A healthy pursuit of weight loss prioritizes overall health, incorporates balanced nutrition, and avoids an “all or nothing” approach to eating and exercise. It is often accompanied by improvements in self-esteem, energy levels, strength, and other health indicators. The pursuit of weight loss becomes disordered when there is excessive restriction, compulsive exercise, and the person experiences anxiety and guilt surrounding their efforts.
When it comes to these two awareness weeks, there are some common threads. There is a lot of misunderstanding out there regarding both eating disorders and obesity. There are stereotypes of people who have these conditions, and there are biases against them. People with both of these conditions struggle to access appropriate healthcare and treatment. As someone who has worked in both fields, I recognize both awareness weeks because they highlight the need for a more balanced, compassionate approach to nutrition therapy and healthcare. Whether a person is seeking care for an eating disorder or for obesity, they deserve individualized care, free from judgement and shame. As a dietitian, my role for both is to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and with their bodies.
Supporting both Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Obesity Awareness Week simply means advocating for a compassionate, stigma-free approach to health. Here are some ways we can make a difference:
- Educate yourself and others. Learn about the complexities of eating disorders and obesity beyond the stereotypes. Share accurate information to combat misinformation.
- Support organizations. Donate to or volunteer for groups providing treatment, advocacy and research for these conditions.
- Be mindful of language. Words matter! Avoid making comments on people’s bodies, weight, or food choices.
- Encourage access to care. Advocate for better mental health and nutrition services, as well as better insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment and obesity care.
- Practice self-compassion. If you struggle with your own relationship with food or body image, seek support from qualified professionals who promote a nonjudgmental approach to healthcare.
I am grateful for the self-reflection that comes as a result of these two awareness weeks being back to back. My goal is to always provide individualized, respectful care. I will continue to learn and grow as a dietitian, and I look forward to continuing to share my journey with others.
RD on the Run 