October 2009 Archive
The world and weight…it goes on and on…
10.15.09
It seems as though my inbox has been crammed over the past 10 days with stories about culture, size and weight. Here are some of the recent headlines including the good, bad and downright ugly.
Brigitte, top German women’s magazine bans models from magazine issues! In an effort to stamp out the size zero image of models and its effect on women (models are 23% thinner than regular women the magazine reports), Brigitte will replace models with regular people.
Now for the bad, Karl Lagerfield of Chanel responded to Brigitte’s empowered move by stating people do not want to see curvy models on the runway (along with several other ignorant comments!)
Ralph Lauren’s new advertisement featured an ultra thin photo shopped model sparking outrage. In s to criticism, Ralph Lauren threatened to sue citing copyright infringement to those web sites featuring the image.See for yourself: http://shine.yahoo.com/event/fallbeauty/image-of-ultra-thin-ralph-lauren-model-sparks-outrage-521480/
Lastly, prepare yourself for absolute absurdity and utter outrage. In Colorado, a 4 month old infant has been denied health care coverage because the insurance company considers him obese (considered a pre-existing condition). See full article here, http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13530098
It seems as though we make one step forward and take two steps backward.
Eating disorders are not necessarily caused by such discrimination and unrealistic images, but these types of behaviors don’t help. When are we going to learn that health is not determined by size and people’s weight is not for public judgment?
The Devil and the Angel
10.01.09
In my clincial work, it is common for people to feel “stuck” at a certain place in recovery or feel like they are not ready to let go of the ed. The truth is, ED can be strong and recovery can be scary. After all, the ED developed for reason, and it may be hard to let that go.
Of course, choosing not to recover from an ED has dire medical, pscyhological and interpersonal consequences. Often the voices resisting change and the desire to reclaim your life are not your own, but the illness of the eating disorder talking. This is important, for you, family members and professionals to know. The eating disorder must be taken head on, not the person! Think of old cartoons. Remember the image of the Devil and the Angel on the character’s shoulder? While battling your ED the Devil may be stronger, but it is important to battle back with the voices of the Angel, health!
This image can help you understand the painful internal battle of the eating disorder. It can also help you o imagine what is happening. By taking a step back and separating yourself and your right to health from an ED, you are making a powerful step towards recovery.