Eating Disorders Are ‘Hidden’ No More
By Monte Nido, ANAD Treatment Center Partner
Millions of people are hiding an eating disorder every day.
Despite affecting nearly 29 million Americans over their lifetimes, the majority never receive treatment, resulting in a heartbreaking loss every 52 minutes.
Through various actions and behaviors, people with eating disorders often become experts at hiding their struggles. Further adding to the disguise, are the many misconceptions about what an eating disorder “looks like,” when the reality is that fewer than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight” (Murray, J.H., Manila, S.L., & McQuistan, A.A.).
The Eating Disorder Community & Monte Nido are committed to changing this narrative. “Eating disorders have an immense and profound impact on our culture, regardless of whether we see the suffering we know so many Americans experience,” said Cassie McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Monte Nido. “We are committed to changing the dialogue for those living with or at risk of an eating disorder, because no one should have to fight this alone.”
Eating Disorder Warning Signs
Detecting an eating disorder can be a layered and sensitive topic. Signs and symptoms may vary by individual and eating disorder type. A big indicator might be a noticeable change in a person’s attitudes towards food and their body. Common warning signs include:
Emotional / Behavioral
- Weight loss, dieting, and control of food are primary concerns
- Food rituals
- Social withdrawal
- Frequent dieting, body checking
- Extreme mood swings
Physical
- Noticeable weight fluctuations
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Dizziness upon standing
- Difficulty concentrating, sleeping
- Issues with dental, skin, hair, and nail health
Please remember that anyone struggling with eating concerns deserves help. Hiding or ignoring the situation will only keep people trapped in their pain.
Addressing the Stereotypes
Another common misconception of eating disorders is that they only affect a certain demographic. However, eating disorders do not discriminate. Individuals across all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and sizes can be impacted by this insidious disease. The stereotypes we associate with eating disorders are harmful and may be invalidating to individuals who are struggling in silence.
Diet culture and harmful narrative around body image can also cause eating disorders to lurk in the shadows. In many cases, individuals are unaware of the devastating impacts the eating disorder is taking on their physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
“We live in an environment that is constantly talking about body image and weight loss medications, often without regard for the irreparable damage this language can cause,” said Melissa Spann, PhD, MBA, CEDS-C, Chief Clinical Officer at Monte Nido. “We hope this campaign will spark conversations and empower those who are living with an eating disorder to ask for the help they need and deserve. Recovery is possible at any age with the right treatment and support.”
A Light In The Darkness
It will take all of us, but we believe that together, we can shine a light on the hidden struggles of eating disorders, cultivate empathy and empower individuals to seek the help they deserve.
To learn more, see Monte Nido’s new awareness campaign “Hidden,” which is dedicated to acknowledging these silent struggles and to shining a light on this serious disease.
About Monte Nido
Monte Nido is a leading provider of eating disorder treatment, offering inpatient, residential, day, and virtual treatment programs. Delivering clinically comprehensive, research-backed treatment to adults and adolescents of all genders within a healing and affirming environment, we believe recovery is possible for everybody. Founded in 1996, our expert staff of eating disorder professionals deliver compassionate care, breakthrough outcomes, and long-term recovery for our clients. Monte Nido operates 50 programs and in 28 states virtually across their family of programs: Monte Nido, Monte Nido Walden, Monte Nido Rosewood, and Monte Nido Clementine.
