Anorexia, binge eating, and bulimia. Do I have your attention?
8 million Americans struggle with eating disorders. Seven million of those being women.
- One in 200 American women suffer from anorexia
- Two to three out of 100 American women suffer from
bulimia
- Nearly half
of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder.
- 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after
contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and
only 30 – 40% ever fully recover
- The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher
than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 – 24 years old.
- 20% of people suffering from anorexia will
prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including
suicide and heart problems
So why did I just
tell you all of that information?
Because it breaks my heart to see
middle school girls, high school girls, college aged girls, and even middle aged
women battling eating disorders and feeling like they are the only ones and can't speak up about it.
It’s time we as women, stop
comparing ourselves to others and judging each other. Instead, we need to build each
other up and encourage one another. We were all created with different body
types and there is no way that we can all be 5’ 9” and a size zero… but
honestly who cares? We need to learn
to be content in our OWN
bodies and stop looking for the approval of others.
So what happens if you are battling with an eating disorder?
The first thing that I want you to realize is that you are not alone. You are seriously so
beautiful. Know that and believe it because it’s true.
Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he
created him; male and female he created them.”
When we listen to the lies
of the devil telling us that we aren’t beautiful, good enough, or skinny
enough, we are telling the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE that He didn’t know what He was
doing when He created us. That is a sin.
“You
are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” Song of Solomon
4:7
If you have realized that you may have an eating disorder, I
want you to tell someone. Tell a friend, your
mom, someone you look up to, or anyone that you feel like you can trust. Reaching
out for help is not a sign of
weakness, it’s a sign of strength.
You CAN begin to heal and get better… I have seen it done
and it is a beautiful thing!
Steps to take after you tell someone...
1.) Seek
medical help.
-This might seem scary, but seeing
a doctor is the best way to a quick recovery.
Bring a friend with you for
support! It’s highly effective!
2.) Find an accountability partner.
-Do not try and do this on your own. We need help and encouragement from others to get us through the difficult times!
3.) Most importantly, completely put your situation in God’s
hands. He is the one who will give you
strength and healing!
Recovery is a challenge, but it's not as difficult as continuing to live with the wrath of an eating disorder.
For those of you who don't have an eating disorder, but are struggling with insecurity or obsessed with being healthy and working out, I challenge you to spend time focusing on your inner beauty just as much as your outer appearance. Stop looking at inspiration pictures of girls that are photoshopped, stop pinning pictures of girls on pinterest that have bodies that are impossible to achieve, stop weighing yourself daily, and stop obsessing over counting every calorie. Be healthy and create a work out routine, but don't obsess over it. If you find yourself obsessing, take a step back and re-evaluate your intentions.
I hope this was helpful and an encouragement for someone today! If
you have any questions or need someone to talk to about these issues, feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more in
depth or even be praying for you on this journey!
Psalm 139: 14 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Morgan
Resource
http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm
