The Allure and Danger of Weight Loss

January 5, 2025October 12, 2025 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Content Warning: Eating disorders, disordered eating, anorexia, body image, mental health struggles, high control religion.

The start of a new year often brings resolutions centered on weight loss, promising transformation and self-improvement. Social media, advertisements, and societal norms amplify this message, equating thinness with success and happiness. The allure is powerful, shedding pounds seems like a quick fix for deeper insecurities or dissatisfaction.

Yet, this focus can be dangerous. The obsession with weight loss often leads to unhealthy habits, disordered eating, and a strained relationship with food and those around you. Instead of health and well-being, an obsession with thinness can overshadow mental health, self-acceptance and true inner happiness. True health comes from balance, not extremes.

During my freshman year of nursing school, I had a acute awakening to the devastating impact of anorexia, a lesson that didn’t come from textbooks or lectures, but from the lived experience of a close friend. Witnessing her battle with this relentless illness was something that I will never forget.

Prior to this encounter, I had only a superficial understanding of anorexia, viewing it as a distant affliction that affected Karen Carpenter but remained detached from my own reality. However, as I watched my friend’s gradual descent into the grips of this merciless disorder, the harsh reality of its consequences became painfully evident.

What struck me most was the insidious nature of anorexia, how it crept into every aspect of my friend’s life, consuming her thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. It was a silent and invisible adversary, yet its presence loomed large, casting a shadow over our once carefree friendship. Mealtimes and food related outings with her were excruciating!

At first, I naively believed that I could offer support and encouragement, believing that my friend’s struggle was something she could simply overcome with enough willpower and determination. But as her condition worsened and her weight plummeted to dangerous levels, I realized the depth of her suffering and the gravity of her illness.

Despite my best intentions, I found myself unable to truly comprehend the magnitude of her struggle, unable to grasp the enormity of the challenges she faced on a daily basis. Instead of serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for her recovery, I unwittingly became ensnared in the dangerous allure of her steady weight loss, as if it were a contagion spreading through our circle of friends.

In retrospect, I recognize the profound irony of my ignorance and the tragedy of my misguided perceptions. My friend’s struggle with anorexia should have served as a stark warning, an example of the devastating toll that this illness exacts on both mind and body. Instead, it became a twisted distortion of reality, blurring the lines between compassion and complicity, empathy and enablement.

It was a painful lesson, one that taught me that the impacts of anorexia are far-reaching and multifaceted, transcending the confines of individual suffering to touch the lives of those who bear witness to its destructive power.

And though I may never fully understand the depths of my friend’s anguish, I do understand the allure of weight loss being the reward. In a world that often equates thinness with worth and beauty, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that shedding pounds will bring happiness and acceptance.

While I have never suffered from or received a formal diagnosis of a full blown eating disorder, I have personally grappled with disordered eating patterns. Using food and exercise as a means of control was, at times, a coping mechanism for me. Recognizing these struggles was an essential step in creating a healthier relationship with food and seeking support when needed.

A significant aspect of my post-IFB growth has been centered around healing my connection with body image and food. It has been a lot of work to retrain my thinking towards self-compassion and a positive approach to overall well-being. It took me a long time to believe that I am not defined solely by the food I consume, how much I exercise, or the size of the clothes I wear. My identity encompasses a myriad of qualities beyond these external elements.

group of people making toast | lookingjoligood.blog

Eating is a fundamental part of human life, not only for sustenance but also for social and cultural reasons. However, for some people, the relationship with food can become complicated, leading to harmful behaviors and negative consequences for their physical and mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, it’s important to reach out for support. Seeking assistance from friends, family, or mental health professionals can make a significant difference in navigating these challenges. Remember that you don’t have to face it alone, and there are resources available to help you on the path to recovery. Prioritize your well-being and take the first step toward seeking the support you need. I’ve included some resources and references below.**

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on eating disorders or disordered eating. The information provided is based on general knowledge and personal experience and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. While I am a registered nurse, I am not your personal healthcare provider. It is advisable for you to consult with your own designated healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

**Resources:

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/art-20046234

https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/

https://anad.org/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders

Project HEAL. (2023, November 10). Project HEAL. https://www.theprojectheal.org/

**References:

Akrawi, D., Bartrop, R., Potter, U., & Touyz, S. (2015). Religiosity, spirituality in relation to disordered eating and body image concerns: A systematic review. Journal of Eating Disorders, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-015-0064-0

Grenfell, J. W. (2006). Religion and Eating Disorders: Towards understanding a neglected perspective. Feminist Theology, 14(3), 367–387. https://doi.org/10.1177/0966735006063775

Kose, J., Paz‐Graniel, I., Péneau, S., Julia, C., Herçberg, S., Galán, P., Touvier, M., & Andreeva, V. A. (2022). A population-based study of macronutrient intake according to mental health status with a focus on pure and comorbid anxiety and eating disorders. European Journal of Nutrition, 61(7), 3685–3696. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-02923-x

Huline‐Dickens, S. (2000). Anorexia nervosa: Some connections with the religious attitude. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 73(1), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.1348/000711200160309

National Eating Disorders Association. (2021, July 14). Statistics & Research on eating disorders. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics-research-eating-disorders?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgK2qBhCHARIsAGACuzn1KQjJps5k1v90ly1NNKbT6SafnV7CzQdvoNS1yasCL2KftzM7JlUaAtEyEALw_wcB

Project HEAL. (2023, November 10). Project HEAL. https://www.theprojectheal.org/

RCN Publishing. (n.d.). Research |. UCLan – University of Central Lancashire. https://clok.uclan.ac.uk/45420/

Riddle, D. R., Presseller, E. K., & Juarascio, A. S. (2023). Latent profiles of emotion dysregulation among individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders: Associations with eating disorder pathology. European Eating Disorders Review, 31(6), 793–801. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.3009

Sigel, E. (2009). DISORDERED EATING BEHAVIORS. In Elsevier eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-1-4160-3370-7.00059-6

Thomas, J., O’Hara, L., Tahboub-Schulte, S., Grey, I., & Chowdhury, N. (2018). Holy anorexia: Eating disorders symptomatology and religiosity among Muslim women in the United Arab Emirates. Psychiatry Research, 260, 495–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.11.082

Thorne, R. (2022, September 14). Everything you need to know about disordered eating, according to experts. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/disordered-eating-vs-eating-disorder

What are eating disorders? – Project HEAL. (n.d.). Project HEAL. https://www.theprojectheal.org/what-are-eating-disorders

Why do people become anorexic? | Transformations mending fences. (n.d.). Transformations Mending Fences. https://ttcmendingfences.com/blog/why-do-people-become-anorexic-disordered-eating-explained/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgK2qBhCHARIsAGACuzlbnVzfVfu64Zwj5BfqF8zYQ8LpFfm1VpmVXhbWXsQE56Klo-QUFaoaAtO0EALw_wcB

Lifestyle

Dying To Be Thin

January 3, 2025December 8, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

Content Warning: Eating disorders, disordered eating, anorexia, body image, mental health struggles,

The start of a new year often brings the pressure to diet, fueled by resolutions and societal narratives equating thinness with beauty and success. This mindset can create a harmful cycle, where people feel compelled to overhaul their eating habits, not for health, but to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Such pressure can lead to restrictive behaviors, creating guilt and a negative relationship with food.

When I was about nine years old, I had a moment that forever changed my understanding of the world. It was Christmas time, and we were visiting my grandparents, enjoying listening to Christmas music. The soft, beautiful voice of Karen Carpenter filled the room, and I was completely mesmerized by her singing. It was the first time I had heard such a pure and captivating voice, and I couldn’t get enough of it. To this day, her voice, with its warmth and emotional depth, remains one of my all-time favorites.

As the music played, I turned to my grandmother and asked who is this amazing singer. She told me her name is Karen Carpenter, and then added, “It’s too bad she died so young. She starved herself to death.”

I was shocked, my mind was racing with questions. I couldn’t comprehend how someone so talented and successful with such an amazing voice could choose not to eat. Why would she do that? My young mind struggled to understand.

The music superstar was just 32 years old when she succumbed to the disease in 1983.

Later on I remember asking my Mother about it and she explained that Karen Carpenter suffered from something called anorexia, a mental health eating disorder, a condition where people feel compelled to control their food intake in harmful ways.

I remember feeling a mix of confusion and sadness. It was hard to believe that someone with such an amazing gift, someone who brought so much joy to others, could be struggling so much inside. The idea that someone could be so affected by societal expectations that they would harm themselves was a new and startling revelation for me. It wasn’t until years later that I would fully understand how internal and external pressure along with beauty standards can sometimes lead people to take drastic measures to feel like they fit in, and how dangerous it can be.

It isn’t fully known why people choose to become anorexic, maybe because they want to look a certain way or feel pressure from society to meet certain beauty standards, or maybe because they feel their life is out of control and their food intake is something they can have control over.

That conversation with my grandmother opened my eyes to a harsh reality I had never known before. It made me realize that behind the fame and talent, there could be deep, painful struggles. It was the first time I understood that not everything is as it seems and that the pressures of society can have a profound impact on individuals mental, emotional and physical health.

As I grew older, this early lesson stayed with me. To this day, I still think about how much pain Karen Carpenter must have been in to deny herself the nutrients she needed to sustain life. It serves as a constant reminder of the silent struggles that many individuals face behind closed doors.

Though I may never fully understand the depths of Karen’s anguish, I do understand the allure of weight loss being rewarded. In a world that often equates thinness with worth and beauty, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that shedding pounds will bring happiness and acceptance. But this pursuit can quickly become dangerous, distorting reality and overshadowing true well-being. As I’ve come to realize, no amount of weight loss can fill the void left by a lack of self-acceptance or heal the emotional scars inflicted by societal expectations. The real challenge is learning to see beyond these superficial ideals and embrace the inherent worth and beauty that exists in every person, regardless of their size.

Resources:

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/art-20046234

https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/

https://anad.org/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders

Project HEAL. (2023, November 10). Project HEAL. https://www.theprojectheal.org/