… what would you say in return? I’m always awed by the people who can retort, “I’m not fat!”  Or, “Screw you!”  And mean it. I have finally come to the point where I would be able to cock my head and asked, “What?”  Perhaps I could even say, “What does my weight have anything to do with this conversation?”  But inside, I would still be asking myself why he or she called me fat. What would you say?  Would you collapse into tears?  Get mad?  Walk away in embarrassment?  Agree? (P.S.  Don’t ever call anyone “fat”, please.  It’s a hurtful remark no matter if they can “take it” or not.) [Read more]

Just got this from NEDA and wanted to pass it around… perhaps someone out there would like to be a part of the 2009 convention?  If so, go for it! The 2009 NEDA Conference “Reshaping Our Future: A Vision for Recovery, Research, Attitudes and Action!” will take place in Minneapolis, MN at the Hilton Minneapolis on September 10-12, 2009. The Call for Proposals is now open. Click here to submit your proposal. Please pass this information on to colleagues and others. This conference welcomes professionals, family members and individuals to present. Information regarding details is found in the CFP at the above link. Thank you for participating in this important and unique convening of families and professionals.  [Read more]

I wrote a post last year about thinspiration (aka, thinspo) and it’s still garnering some attention.  I just received this comment, in fact, and I do think the author of it makes some intriguing points (even if I don’t necessarily agree with her): I think calling it demeaning is incorrect, in my opinion. Obviously your entitled to yours. I don’t get the feeling from it that anyone who looks at thinspo is supposed to be made to feel discusting or of less-worth then those in the pictures, if those viewing it have low self asteam they might… I don’t. To me it is useful. I don’t hate myself now nor do I absolutely love my body, I just need to lose weight to be healthier and obviously being slim is more attractive... [Read more]

I’ve been giving a great deal of thought to why parents misinterpret the signs of eating disorders in their children, especially when it comes to their girls.  I think part of the problem could be this pervasive notion that if a teen is “moody” or “withdrawn”, it’s normal. I know my parents told me (after I was in my 20s) that they saw nothing wrong with the fact that I wouldn’t eat in front of them and always hung out in my room.  They chalked it up to “normal” teen angst.  And thus they ignored the symptoms of anorexia. I wonder how many other families have gone this route?  Since I’m not the parent of a teenager, I don’t know how easy it is to fall into the trap.  But... [Read more]

Starting today, February 22nd, NEDA is celebrating National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This made me start thinking about things that we could all do this week to raise awareness of EDs as well as to help put a dent in their stronghold. Some of my ideas include: 1.  Pledging not to weigh ourselves this week. 2.  Pledging to compliment the women in our lives on something other than their figures this week. 3.  Pledging to not binge, binge and purge or starve ourselves this week. 4.  Pledging to throw (or give) away the “skinny” clothes we use to torment ourselves. 5.  Pledging to make others understand that eating disorders are a disease, not a choice. What are your thoughts? [Read more]