As you might expect, there are definitely body image issues when it comes to eating disorders. After all, both Anorexia and Bulimia are psychological conditions characterized by a fear of looking fat/gaining weight. However, any condition of disordered eating has complex causation, is somewhat unique to each sufferer, and requires specialized support.

Underlying Problems Often Found With Disordered Eating

• High levels of anxiety
• Tendency towards obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior
• The presence of a codependent/power-struggle relationship
• Perfectionism
• Very low self-worth
• Certain performance-driven atmospheres
• Early negative experiences pertaining to food

An Eating Disorder Can Be Serious And Slow To Overcome

• Extreme eating habits lead to malnutrition
• Body chemistry changes, thus thinking becomes distorted
• Secondary medical issues occur, such as muscle loss, vitamin deficiency, low blood pressure, and complications to the gastrointestinal & endocrine systems
• It becomes a poor, yet familiar solution to managing painful emotions
• Bad habits and compulsive behaviors become second nature as control is sought after
• Managing an eating disorder consumes vast amounts of energy
• Maturity is halted
• Energy levels become diminished and sleep is eventually interrupted
• Loss of relationships and community often occur
• Ambivalence makes the sufferer not want to get well at the same time as wanting to overcome the condition

Recovering From Eating Disorders Requires

• Extended patience from loved ones
• Friends or family who can be safe, calming, supportive, and encouraging
• A hand-picked, actively involved team that includes a kind doctor, an experienced nutritionist, and an understanding counselor (I regularly walk alongside those with eating disorders)
• Acknowledging the problem, surrendering to the Lord, and engaging in the healing process
• Willingness to address the physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational components of the condition
• Learning new, difficult skills
• Family members willing to receive support, training, and/or counseling
• Intercession against the contributing spiritual battle  
• In some cases, in-patient medical care

“My heart is stricken and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning, my bones cling to my skin.” (Ps. 102:4-5)

“The Lord will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” (Is. 58:11)