In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, it’s time to shed some light on EDNOS. We all know about anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating, but not all eating disorders fit into well-defined categories. EDNOS stands for “eating disorders not otherwise specified.”
Having an EDNOS can be just as unhealthy as any other eating disorder, posing many of the same health risks. The category itself is like a catch-all, encompassing disordered eating habits of varying degrees. Eating disorders tend to be associated with being severely underweight, but that’s not always the case. Many who struggle with EDNOS may be at a normal weight or even overweight – and their struggle is just as serious.
Criteria for an EDNOS encompass a huge range. Someone struggling with one may be constantly dieting, preoccupied with their weight and body size, or have a tendency to completely eliminate food groups from their diet (yes, saying “no more carbs” or “no more sugar” counts). They might have an obsession with exercising, refuse to eat regular meals, purge, or starve themselves occasionally. They may believe everyone else is as focused on their weight as they are.
It sounds relatable, doesn’t it? All of these behaviors are dangerously common – and highly prevalent on a college campus, where everyone lives in fear of the freshman 15. But when it comes down to it, skipping out on social situations because you’re afraid of “feeling fat” or of being tempted by the food options isn’t healthy. Neither is binging (or even eating normally!) and then over-exercising, or categorizing foods into groups of “can eat” and “cannot eat.”
Disordered eating hits girls hard, especially when they’re in college. Not only do these behaviors support the yo-yo effect – repeatedly gaining and losing weight, which is pretty rough on your body – they put you at risk for developing a more serious eating disorder.
Let’s think about it: what does “feeling” fat mean, anyway? It just doesn’t make sense. We say we feel fat when we’re full, or when we feel guilty for eating. We say it to beat someone else to the punch – as if we should acknowledge it before they can. We say it when we feel vulnerable. We say it because we constantly feel pressure be smaller, thinner, and better than we are. “If I could just lose five pounds, I’d be happy.” But there’s so much more to it than those five, fifteen, or fifty pounds.
Whenever eating becomes more than just a physical need and turns into a psychological battle, it’s a sign that something is wrong. EDNOS are surprisingly common and the struggle that goes along with them is 100% real. But something like food should never be dictating your life, getting in the way of your happiness, or making you think that you’re anything but beautiful and unique. It should never make you feel vulnerable, because you deserve better.
If you think you might be struggling with an EDNOS, you don’t have to go through it alone. Talk about your concerns with someone you trust who will give you a reasonable, objective opinion. If you feel comfortable with it, talk to friends or family – I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to remind you of just how amazing you really are!
Keep your head up, and recognize that readjusting your habits and perspective might take some time, but you absolutely can and will get through it. When you’re feeling discouraged or down on yourself and your body, cut the self-deprecation and negativity, and consider this instead:
You are original and loved. People care about you. You have the power to overcome negative self-image. You are interesting, strong, talented, and beautiful. You’re awesome! You are good enough.
You deserve to love yourself.
Sources: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/programs-events/nedawareness-week.php ; http://www.findingbalance.com/