Tales of a (Recovering) Disordered Eater

Everyone has a weight loss story that they want to share; success stories that delve into what set them off on their journey, how they lost the weight, changes they went through, and how they suddenly put on their skinny jeans.

But something I’ve rarely seen touched upon is the “after” story. How the “high” of weight loss—especially for someone who had not previously been thin—can lead to disordered eating, an infrequently-discussed yet real phenomenon that I know affects many women … myself included.

Everyone talks about bulimia, anorexia, binge eating … but disordered eating is an even bigger problem: according to a recent SELF poll, 6 out of 10 women are disordered eaters.

There isn’t a ton of data out there, but I have heard personal anecdotes from those who have undergone the transformation from fat to fit, chubby to trim, and now are dealing with the aftermath…the struggle to not only maintain the weight loss, but also the demons many of us battle when we pin our self-worth to the number on the scale. Sustained weight loss is truly a psychological, emotional and physical challenge. And the non-physical challenge is perhaps the most difficult because it’s the one most of us battle alone.

In telling my own story on my blog over the next few days, and sharing my ongoing struggles with disordered eating from here on out, I want to raise awareness about the very real sickness that plagues so many women–and to let them know that they are not alone. I want to launch a dialogue to empower women to take control of this sickness so it no longer controls us.

And I want to be free from the chains of negative self-image that are tied to a number on a scale … I want to be healthy and free. It’s my promise to myself. I deserve it, and you do, too. Join me!