Welcome

by Kitty Westin

May your voice never die

Before I go into detail about the Anna Westin Act I thought it would be interesting for readers to learn how the “dream” of eating disorder legislation became a reality.

by Kitty Westin

A reluctant advocate

I never wanted to be an advocate. I did not train or study or seek out “master” advocates to mentor me. I did not go to school or attend workshops or listen to webinars about becoming an advocate. I had no intention of starting a movement, being drafted into an army of eating disorder activists or becoming the thorn in the side of insurance companies. However, on February 17, 2000, the day my beloved daughter Anna Westin died of an eating disorder, I was launched into a life that I could not have imagined. The day Anna died of anorexia was the day that my life changed forever and the day I found my purpose.

This confusion is a natural consequence of the attempts by so many to find more and better ways to help those who suffer from eating disorders. For most of the history of eating disorder treatment, there were no efforts made at prevention, involving families, or outreach into the community. In fact, there was widespread unavailability of treatment options for most patients.

However, as the eating disorder treatment community matures and looks to expand access to treatment, we are seeing a lively and much-needed debate about how to get the best preventative care and treatment to patients.

One of the best-known and most feared complications of eating disorders is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass, often throughout the body, and a significantly increased risk of fracture and pain. Osteoporosis is a diagnosis made through bone scans, particularly a DEXA scan. A score of -2.5 or greater on a DEXA scan is considered to be osteoporosis. A score of -1 to -2.5 is defined as osteopenia. Anyone with osteopenia is at great risk of developing osteoporosis. Statistically, 40% of people with anorexia will have osteoporosis, and as high as 90% will have osteopenia.

While in most cases exercising is important for good health, too much exercise and not enough calorie absorption in the body can be harmful and even dangerous to your health.

Getting treatment and having a strong support system at home is instrumental for individuals seeking recovery from their eating disorders. We strongly encourage families and friends to be active in their loved one’s journey, but that can also come with its own set of frustrations and feelings of being overwhelmed.

This article talks about the health repercussions of eating disorders. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist when needed.

By Lucene Wisniewski, PhD

The harsh reality of eating disorder mortality rates

Eating disorders kill. This is a harsh reality. Our clients are reminded about this fact from their loved ones, doctors and therapists. Yet, many of our clients believe that it will be someone else who dies and not them.

Eating disorders impact about 30 million people in the United States. They are associated with high levels of premature mortality, including an increased risk for suicide. Without treatment, up to 20 percent of people with a serious eating disorder will die. These are sobering statistics.

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Over the past month we have been gathering submissions from providers who help individuals and families recover, the clients who are currently or have previously dealt with ED, and the families and friends who are impacted and supporting their loved one for our #ExplainingED campaign. For these submissions, providers, clients, family, and friends, were asked to complete the sentence, “What I want you to know about eating disorders is______________.” Our #ExplainingED campaign sheds light on some of the dos, don’ts, insights, hurt, shame, resilience, recovery, and other factors that come with an eating disorder. Make sure to check out part 2 of #ExplainingED to come on Wednesday, and part 3 on Friday.

These are personal perspectives; everyone will have unique experiences on their own path to recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors or symptom use. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist when needed.