Have you heard of atypical anorexia nervosa? When most people think of anorexia, they often envision severe thinness, a state that can significantly harm one’s physical health. The image that comes to mind is often linked to tragic cases like Karen Carpenter, where a person becomes dangerously underweight. Common perceptions of anorexia are tightly intertwined with the idea of extreme skinniness.
However, it’s important to understand that anorexia isn’t solely for those who are extremely thin. A diagnosis of anorexia nervosa requires an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted perception of one’s body size. Typically, individuals with classic anorexia are losing weight rapidly and may be on the brink of life-threatening conditions.
This is where atypical anorexia becomes relevant. Those diagnosed with atypical anorexia may be at a normal or even elevated weight. Not long ago, plus-size model Riley Thompson shared her long-standing battle with disordered eating, revealing that she is now recovering from atypical anorexia. She addressed the many comments about her changing body, stating, “Yes, I’ve lost weight — I’m healing from an eating disorder & feeding my body regularly for the first time in my life. When you associate weight loss with ‘health’ and assign value based on someone’s size, you’re implying that we are more valuable when we are smaller, which is detrimental.”
Despite her openness, the backlash was significant. Riley took to social media to share her experiences, noting, “The past few days have been incredibly tough since becoming a public figure. The negativity has been overwhelming, but the supportive messages from those who felt understood and loved far outweigh the criticism. I will be taking a break from social media to focus on my mental health. Remember, having an eating disorder isn’t shameful, and you deserve respect and love, no matter where you are in your journey.”
It’s disheartening to see someone share their struggles only to be met with skepticism. Those who doubt Riley’s atypical anorexia diagnosis based on her size are missing the point. While she may not fit the typical mold you envision, her experiences of pain, the battle to maintain a healthy relationship with food, and the fear of weight gain are common among all who struggle with anorexia, regardless of their size.
Eating disorders don’t have a specific “look.” Ignoring the experiences of fat individuals dealing with disordered eating is not only ignorant; it’s harmful. For instance, I’ve been larger my entire life. If I were to drastically reduce my food intake, it might take considerable time before anyone noticed my suffering. Instead, I could receive praise for any noticeable weight loss, regardless of the impact on my health. Society often rewards women who appear to shrink, even if they are suffering.
We need to discard our preconceived notions of what an eating disorder looks like. As the National Eating Disorders Association states, “Eating disorders can affect all kinds of bodies, and you cannot tell by looking at someone if they have an eating disorder.” Those with atypical anorexia may not fit the expected appearance, but their struggles are nonetheless real and dangerous.
Contrary to popular narratives, it’s not just young, thin white females who face issues like anorexia. Resources for eating disorders are available for various groups, including athletes, men and boys, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those in mid-life and beyond. It’s crucial to recognize that anyone can develop a problematic relationship with food.
We can’t determine a person’s health status simply by looking at them. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, and low body weight isn’t the only risk factor. The impact of starvation on a body is severe. Even before someone reaches a dangerously low weight, anorexia can cause significant harm to muscle mass and heart health. Contrary to some beliefs, fat bodies cannot thrive indefinitely without proper nutrition. Everyone needs food, and anyone entering a phase of starvation faces grave risks.
Atypical anorexia is indeed anorexia, and individuals of all sizes deserve support when they bravely share their experiences.
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Summary
Tess Holliday’s experience with atypical anorexia challenges the common perception of eating disorders linked solely to extreme thinness. It highlights the need for understanding and support for individuals of all sizes dealing with disordered eating. Acknowledging that eating disorders can manifest in various ways is crucial for fostering compassion and awareness.
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