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Friday, July 23, 2010

In Some Cases, Vegetarianism Masks Eating Disorder

Most people choose vegetarianism or veganism for a variety of genuine reasons. Some, for example, have a philosophical problem with eating animals. Others cite nutritional benefits.

But for some, these dietary regimens are covers for eating disorders.

“When she was just 13, [Jill] became a vegetarian, in part for philosophical reasons, but mainly as an excuse to avoid her mom’s New Orleans-style chicken-fried steak and jambalaya. As she forged a career in yoga instruction, she further restricted her diet by going vegan, all the while struggling with an eating disorder that she kept under wraps.” [Source: The Daily Beast]

The veganism gave Jill an excuse to restrict her food intake, and it would be more than 15 years before she acknowledged the damage she was doing and started to change her eating habits.

Medical professionals who help treat eating disorder patients say there are a disproportionate number of vegans and vegetarians among them, as compared to the rest of the population. Parents are encouraged to be cautious and observant if a child suddenly announces that he or she is becoming a vegetarian or vegan.

Labels: unhealthy eating, vegetarians

Posted By: Eating Disorders Help Guide

Comments:

Kensington on 8/4/2010
I've been a vegetarian for many years. I also am the Administrator for Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders and this topic comes up many times there. A lot of people with eating disorders latch onto what seems a valid excuse for eliminating certain foods and entire food groups in the name of saving calories. It's a shame because being a vegetarian or vegan for legitimate reasons comes under fire. Often, when a person who is vegetarian enters a treatment program or begins to see a nutritionist, their decision to go veggie comes under scrutiny, as it should. It's important to find out the WHY of being a vegetarian when a person has an eating disorder.