What is an eating disorder?
"A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way" (John 10:10)
"If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won’t he dress you even better? Your faith is so small! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire. So don’t worry. Don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ Or, ‘What will we drink?’ Or, ‘What will we wear?’ People who are ungodly run after all those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them. But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you" (Matthew 6:30-33).
An eating disorder is a complex mental illness that impacts health.Eating disorders can be hard to talk about. They are very dangerous and can lead to severe illness if not treated.
Anorexia is when a person doesn’t eat enough and over-exercises in order to maintain a dangerously low weight. Much of the behaviors found within anorexia are rooted in secrets, lies, and shame. Treating anorexia can be very difficult and can take many years. If you or someone you know might have anorexia, it is important to reach out to a parent, a trusted adult, or a doctor.
Bulimia is another eating disorder, in which a person eats food; however, they purge food either by vomiting, laxatives, or over exercising. Similar to anorexia, bulimia needs proper treatment from doctors and therapists.
Binge eating disorder when someone binges on food, but does not compensate in any way. However, they still have a negative view of themselves, a preoccupation with weight, and shame just as anorexia and bulimia does.
God does not want anyone to live with an eating disorder. Never feel ashamed to reach out for help or to get help for a loved one. Eating disorders are not something that should be overlooked or ignored. God loves you and wants you to have an abundant life.
