National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
The week of February 24 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The key message this year: “Be comfortable in your genes. Wear jeans that fit the TRUE you.”
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week highlights the fact that body size and shape are strongly influenced by biological factors — such as genetics — while also calling attention to some of the new discoveries surrounding the role of genetics in the development of eating disorders.
Too often, individuals struggle against their natural, genetically influenced size just to fit into that pair of “skinny jeans” in the back of their closet. Fighting your natural size and shape can lead to unhealthy dieting practices, poor body image and, sometimes, eating disorders.
While you can adopt a healthful lifestyle and aim to be fit for your particular body type, you cannot change your genes. We want everyone to start feeling comfortable in their genes by wearing comfortable jeans.
While key messaging focuses on helping individuals feel at ease with their natural size, the use of the word “genes” within the message also provides a foundation for addressing the fact that eating disorders are serious illnesses, not choices. Every day, researchers are discovering more about the influence of genetics on eating disorders and finding that, while environmental factors may pull the trigger, genetics loads the gun.
To learn more about eating disorders, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
Shannon Strasser, RD, CPT, is the owner of Summit Nutrition LLC (www.summitnutrition.us), which provides nutrition therapy for eating disorders, weight management, wellness/prevention, as well as many other nutritional needs. Her main focus is working with men and women who struggle with disordered eating, eating disorders, emotional eating, and body image issues. She can be reached at 303-949-9735 .