Raising Eating Disorder Awareness Among Black Populations as a Way of Enhancing Recovery
Feb 3
Written By Seye Akinyemi
One fundamental cause of lack of effective diagnosis of treatment of eating disorders among the Black population is lack of awareness about the disorder. Historically, eating disorders have stereotypically been associated with thin, white women, which has led to the erroneous assumption that eating disorders are not a big problem among Black people. Yet available research demonstrates that eating disorders are as prevalent among the Black population as among other segments of the population. For instance, research conducted found out that 50% of Black teenagers in the US are more likely to exhibit bulimic behaviour – like binging – compared to their white counterparts.
Because of lack of awareness about the disorder, Black people with eating disorders are less likely to seek treatment thusly ensuring that the problem is not adequately dealt with. Additionally, due to the stereotypes, doctors are less likely to inquire about eating disorders when interacting with Black patients. Again, lack of awareness about eating disorders is complicated by the fact that many Black people aren’t willing to admit to having an eating disorder. There is also a lack of eating disorder discourses within the Black community, which is not surprising since the disorder is normally associated with white women.
Among the Black population, one reason that makes it hard for Black people with eating disorders to seek help is because of the stereotypical labelling around the disorder. Such stereotypes include the belief that eating disorders only affect thin teenagers with ‘silly emotions,’ and that Black people are ‘strong’ and can deal with their problems on their own. Black men and boys are unlikely to seek help because of the prevailing belief that the disorder affects only women.
I am convinced that due to the challenges that Black people face, the journey to recovery becomes fraught with difficulties. With low levels of awareness about the disorder, fewer Black people will be willing to seek help. This impedes recovery – nay, it ensures that those with disorders won’t seek help.
Yet, there are several approaches that can be adopted and implemented among the Black population in order to raise awareness about this disorder. With higher levels of awareness, more Black people will be willing to seek help and be assisted in their journey to recovery.
Raising Awareness In the Health Sector
Research shows that health care practitioners – especially doctors – are less likely to diagnose eating disorders among Black patients because of the stereotypical belief that the disorder doesn’t affect the Black population. One way of increasing awareness of the disorder among the Black population is to train health care professionals to regularly screen their Black patients for eating disorders in order to make possible diagnoses. This approach will help ensure that health care professionals don’t operate under the stereotypical belief that eating disorders don’t affect Black communities.
More Eating Disorders Events In Black Communities
To increase awareness, there is need for stakeholders to hold more eating disorders events in Black community spaces. These events should be used to address the myriad of issues revolving around eating disorders such as symptoms, and also to encourage those who suspect that they are suffering from eating disorders to seek help. These events should also be included as part of other bigger events about the social and health issues that specifically affect Black communities.
Eating Disorder Advocacy
Stakeholders in the health field and other related fields must become powerful voices in raising awareness of eating disorders in the Black community, and for culturally informed interventions and treatments for Black folks with eating disorders. There is need for strong advocacy among Black communities for intuitive eating and general education on eating disorder warning signs among the Black communities.
More Social Media Use To Create Awareness
Undoubtedly, social media has become an important tool for raising awareness of and advocating for various social issues affecting societies throughout the world. Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to increase eating disorder awareness among Black communities. It offers a platform where Black people can freely express their opinions and struggles with eating disorders. However, it’s important for social media to be used effectively in order to reach as many Black people as possible. Social media will be a vital tool in helping to fight the various inhibitions in Black community that make many people unable to come out and talk freely about their eating disorders. Social media will offer them a freer environment to express themselves.
Concerned Efforts To Fight Stereotypes Revolving Around Eating Disorders
One major reason eating disorders are not given the priority they deserve among the Black population is because of the stereotypical belief that they only affect thin, white women. To raise eating disorders awareness, it’s important for stakeholders to constantly fight this stereotype through demonstrating that eating disorders can affect anyone, including those in Black communities. Of course, fighting this stereotype is a big challenge but through dedicated and persistent efforts – like using literature that depict Black people recovering from the disorders instead of always using white women – it will be possible to progressively change people’s attitudes and perceptions about eating disorders. Within Black communities, it is important to constantly send the message that eating disorders can affect anyone and also encourage Black people to speak about the disorder by showing them that it is not a ‘weakness’ if one is struggling. Awareness is likely to rise when Black people embrace the fact that eating disorders are ubiquitous and can affect people regardless of their race, gender and social class.
Conclusion
It is obvious that one of the biggest hindrances to dealing with eating disorders among Black communities is lack of awareness about the disorder. Due to the stereotypical labelling, many Black people believe they cannot suffer from eating disorders. To deal with this problem, it’s important to raise awareness of the disorder through various methods in order to encourage people to seek help and also give hope to those struggling with eating disorders. The stakeholders in different sectors have a vital role to play in raising awareness.
Lack of Enough Male Representation in the Eating Disorder Field
Jul 14
Written By Seye Akinyemi
Introduction
One issue that has constantly disadvantaged eating disorder debates is lack of enough male representation in the eating disorder field. But, this lack of enough male professionals isn’t only confined within the black community – rather, it’s a trans-ethnic issue that affects all races. As a practitioner in the field, I have personally observed the uneven ratio of female to male professionals. The shortage of male clinicians, therapists, social workers, dieticians, and even mentors leads to numerous negative consequences, especially when it comes to assisting males sufferers of eating disorders.
Causes of the Disparity
Several reasons have been proposed to explain this under-representation.
One reason is because there are stereotypes that associate eating disorders with women and, consequently, many men don’t find a reason to pursue a career in this field. They (erroneously) believe that since eating disorders solely affect women, it is natural that only women should pursue a career as an eating disorder care provider. Over time, the eating disorder field became dominated by women.
Another possible reason is the gender stereotype that associates caregiving with women. Many men believe that caregiving isn’t “macho” enough and as such, they don’t find a reason to pursue a career in this field. In fact, I have personally discussed this issue with my acquaintances and many of them believe that the eating disorders field is a “woman’s field” and thus its women who should pursue a career in this field.
However, it is important to realize that eating disorders do not discriminate by gender. And, unlike women, men often hide their problem because of the belief that they’ll look weak if they seek help. Though, in reality, admitting that you have a problem and need help is what’s strong.
Consequences of the Disparity
- First and foremost, many men experiencing eating disorders may not feel comfortable seeking help from women professionals. This causes many men to suffer silently. Of course, this ensures that the problem of eating disorders among men remains unaddressed, and even continues to grow. It is important, however, to realize that if you’re a man suffering from an eating disorder and you feel uncomfortable seeking help from female professionals, there are still male professionals in this field. It will take extra effort since there are fewer of us, but we would love to work with you.
- Because of male practitioner under-representation, stereotypes will likely continue to be reinforced and, specifically, the belief that eating disorders only affect women. This is likely to make men suffering from eating disorders reluctant to seek professional help. The fact that they don’t see representation of practitioners that look like them will deter many from seeking treatment.
- This under-representation will also compromise the research done in this field since it is likely to ignore some salient issues that affect males with eating disorders. Most of the research is likely to focus on issues revolving around women with eating disorders. A look at the existing research indicates that this is already an unfortunate reality.
- Men also will lack male professional mentors in this field who can guide them towards becoming a clinician, therapist, social work, or dietician that specializes in eating disorders.
- Since this issue is assumed to affect only women, there will be the tendency to ignore eating disorders among men and not many men will be willing to pursue a career in this field.
How To Address Male Under-Representation in the Eating Disorder Field
As a professional in this field, and also someone deeply concerned about male under-representation, I propose several ways to help reduce this disparity and attract more men in this field:
- More men should be encouraged to pursue careers in the eating disorder field. This can be achieved through educating men on the benefits they’d receive if they work in this field, and also provide them with the detailed information and career prospects and the available opportunities. Such benefits include being able to play a vital role in helping fellow men dealing with eating disorders and also being able to work in a challenging field that offers opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
- It is important for the professionals in this field to constantly fight against the existing gendered stereotypes of eating disorder sufferers. If awareness can be created to demonstrate that eating disorders also affect men, I am convinced that more men would be willing to pursue a career in this field. For example, social media can be used to educate people about how eating disorders also affect men and how men suffering from EDs can seek help. Also, pamphlets can be used to send messages on EDs and how they affect men.
- Stakeholders must engage in gender diversity campaigns. By working with educational institutions, we can ensure that there is gender balance while also addressing existing biases.
- Males already in the field must mentor other males who are interested in pursuing a career in this field. By guiding them on the various issues revolving around working in the eating disorder field, they can leverage their networks to grow the number of male practitioners.
- Educational institutions can also provide financial assistance and/or scholarships to men willing to pursue a career in the eating disorder field.
Conclusions
This article has addressed the various issues revolving around lack of enough male representation in the eating disorder field. These roles include: clinicians, practitioners, therapists, social workers, dieticians, and mentors. It is obvious that this lack of sufficient representation deters that many men suffering from eating disorders won’t seek help. Because of this, it is important for all relevant stakeholders to work together and create awareness about eating disorders and, specifically, create awareness that eating disorders also affect men. If men can be encouraged to seek help for their eating disorders, there is likelihood that the field will attract more male practitioners. With more men in the field, more men with eating disorders are likely to seek help as they will feel more comfortable confiding to fellow men. It is also important for researchers to focus on the various eating disorders issues that specifically affect men. This, in turn, will further the visibility of male eating disorder sufferers, bringing in more male professionals, increasing research funding, and so on. opportunities.
The Role of a Recovery Coach: A Comprehensive Guide
Recovery from an eating disorder, addiction, or different intellectual fitness challenges is an ongoing adventure that often calls for assist beyond traditional clinical treatment. This is where a recovery coach plays a essential role. A recovery educate gives practical, actual-time steerage and emotional guide that is crucial for long-term recovery. While therapists and licensed clinicians focus on the psychological and medical components of recovery, a recovery coach assists with the fingers-on, day-to-day duties and challenges. This holistic guide could make a big difference in a person’s potential to preserve development after treatment.
What Does a Recovery Coach Do?
At its core, a recovery coach allows individuals integrate what they’ve learned in therapy into their daily lives. The coach presents responsibility and steering, running alongside the client to manipulate the sensible elements of recovery. Here’s a better examine the various roles a recovery coach can take on:
Ongoing Communication and Support:
Recovery isn’t pretty much overcoming signs and symptoms in a scientific putting; it’s additionally about navigating ordinary challenges. A recovery teach stays in regular communication with clients, often providing ongoing textual content or telephone aid at some point of the day. This can contain offering encouragement throughout tough moments, checking in to look how the consumer is feeling, or assisting to manipulate anxiety or cravings in actual-time.
This type of communication is crucial because it offers continuous reinforcement of healthy behaviors, ensuring that the client doesn’t feel alone in their recovery journey. Unlike scheduled therapy sessions that may occur once or twice a week, a recovery coach is often accessible when immediate support is needed.
Meal Support: For many individuals recovering from eating disorders, meal times can be particularly challenging. Recovery coaches often provide meal support, sitting with clients during meals to reduce anxiety and help them develop healthier eating habits. They might share meals together, modeling appropriate portion sizes and encouraging mindful eating practices.
This direct involvement helps clients manage their fears and anxieties around food, offering reassurance and support in real-time. It also provides an opportunity for clients to practice the skills they have learned in treatment in a safe and supportive environment.
Assistance with Shopping and Cooking: Recovery coaches can accompany clients on practical tasks such as grocery shopping and meal preparation. These activities can be anxiety-inducing for someone in recovery, as they involve making decisions about food and managing body image issues.
A coach can guide clients through these experiences, helping them make healthy, informed choices that align with their recovery goals. For example, during a grocery shopping trip, a coach might help the client select nutritious items and avoid triggering foods. In the kitchen, they might cook together, teaching the client how to prepare balanced meals in a way that fosters a positive relationship with food.
Support at Social Functions: Social events can be stressful for people in recovery, particularly if they are faced with situations in which disordered behaviours may additionally rise up. Recovery coaches often accompany clients to social gatherings, imparting discreet help to help them navigate the event without resorting to harmful behaviours.
Whether it is a dinner party, own family collecting, or a night time out with friends, the presence of a train can provide reassurance and help the clients feel greater confident in retaining their recovery goal. This real-time aid in social settings may be critical for constructing social talents and resilience, specially in the early degrees of restoration.
Live-In Support: The Most Intensive Form of Coaching
One of the maximum complete and immersive offerings a recovery coach can offer is live-in support. In this arrangement, the coach spends extended time with the customer, both living in their domestic or staying close by to offer ongoing, around-the-clock help. This stage of guide is specially useful all through essential periods, which include when the customer is transitioning out of inpatient or residential remedy and returning to their home surroundings.
Transitions are frequently vulnerable times within the healing process. After leaving a based remedy putting, people can sense crushed by using the liberty and shortage of recurring at domestic. A live-in restoration train enables ease this transition with the aid of imparting structure, offering support at some point of food, and ensuring that healing practices are followed. The teach may be there for emotional and realistic steering all through the day, assisting to clean the adjustment to lifestyles out of doors of remedy.
Live-in coaching can last for a few days, weeks, or maybe months, depending at the purchaser’s needs. During this time, the educate serves as a regular presence, assisting the consumer follow the techniques they’ve discovered in treatment to ordinary conditions.
Filling the Gaps in Professional Treatment
A healing coach complements the paintings completed by way of certified experts consisting of therapists, dietitians, and psychiatrists. While those specialists offer the medical and psychological framework for healing, a instruct steps in to provide the type of arms-on, realistic support that many remedy providers can’t because of time constraints or moral obstacles.
For example, a therapist may also assist a purchaser pick out the foundation reasons of their ingesting disease or dependancy, however they may no longer have the potential to assist the purchaser save for groceries or cook dinner a meal. Similarly, a dietitian would possibly create a meal plan, however they gained’t be there on the desk to support the consumer thru the anxiety which can include consuming. This is where a recovery train steps in, filling those gaps by imparting the form of personalised assist this is important for implementing the recovery plan in real lifestyles.
Additionally, whilst licensed experts must adhere to strict moral tips that may restriction the extent in their personal involvement in a consumer’s life, recuperation coaches function in a greater bendy potential. They can provide support in a number of settings—whether or not that’s at a restaurant, a own family accumulating, or the purchaser’s domestic. This flexibility lets in them to fulfill the client in which they may be, each literally and figuratively.
The Benefits of Recovery Coaching
The blessings of operating with a restoration educate are huge-ranging. For many customers, the help of a teach gives a bridge among treatment and independence. While remedy addresses the underlying issues of the disorder, training focuses on the practical software of recuperation equipment in day by day lifestyles.
Accountability: Coaches offer a degree of responsibility that facilitates clients live heading in the right direction. Knowing a person is there to help them and test in frequently could make all of the difference in keeping progress.
Real-Time Support: In moments of disaster or temptation, having someone available to provide immediately steering can prevent relapse and sell more healthy alternatives.
Personalized Approach: Recovery coaches tailor their technique to every consumer’s unique desires, providing a stage of customization that enhances traditional remedy.
Building Confidence: Through non-stop, sensible aid, clients gain self assurance of their potential to manage recuperation on their very own.
Conclusion
A recovery coach performs a critical role in supporting individuals navigate the practical, regular challenges of recovery. They provide support that is both personalized and hands-on, helping clients integrate the lessons they’ve learned in treatment into real-life situations. Whether via meal support, grocery purchasing, social functions, or live-in arrangements, recoverycoaches provide the practical tools and emotional encouragement necessary for lasting recovery. Their work enhances the efforts of certified professionals, filling in the gaps and making sure that clients havethe comprehensive support they need to succeed on their journey to wellness.
Anorexia Nervosa: Finding Freedom from Restriction
Anorexia nervosa is more than just a desire to lose weight—it’s a serious mental health condition that takes a toll on both the body and mind. People who struggle with anorexia often feel trapped by the need to control food, weight, and appearance. What starts as a focus on dieting can quickly turn into an overwhelming obsession with restriction, leaving individuals feeling isolated and disconnected from their true selves.
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa isn’t just about food—it’s about control. Many individuals with anorexia are driven by an intense fear of gaining weight and will go to extreme lengths to avoid it. This may involve restricting calories, avoiding certain foods, or engaging in excessive exercise. Over time, these behaviors can lead to dangerous physical consequences, such as:
- Significant weight loss and malnutrition
- Loss of menstruation (in females)
- Extreme fatigue, dizziness, and fainting
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry, yellowish skin
- Heart complications and electrolyte imbalances
The Emotional Impact
Anorexia is deeply tied to feelings of perfectionism, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Many individuals feel powerless in other areas of their lives, using food restriction as a way to regain a sense of control. But this control comes at a cost—mentally and physically. The longer anorexia is left untreated, the more these behaviors become entrenched, making recovery more challenging.
Early Intervention Can Change Lives
The sooner someone with anorexia receives support, the better their chances of recovery. Early intervention helps prevent further physical damage and addresses the underlying emotional triggers. Treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT) are proven to help individuals break free from the cycle of restriction and start rebuilding a healthy relationship with food and body.
At Seye Wellness Coaching, I am committed to providing compassionate support for those dealing with anorexia. By focusing on your unique journey and helping you understand the emotional factors behind the disorder, I guide you toward lasting freedom from the grip of restriction.
Bulimia Nervosa: Breaking Free from the Binge-Purge Cycle
Bulimia nervosa is a cycle of extremes—periods of out-of-control binge eating followed by frantic attempts to “undo” the binge through purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. The emotional toll of this cycle is overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling ashamed, guilty, and trapped in behaviors that seem impossible to escape. But with the right support, breaking free is possible.
What Is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating, where a person consumes large quantities of food in a short time, often feeling out of control. Afterward, overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame lead to purging behaviors, such as:
- Self-induced vomiting
- Using laxatives or diuretics
- Excessive exercise
- Restrictive dieting or fasting
While people with bulimia may appear to be of normal weight, the physical and emotional impact of these behaviors can be severe:
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
- Dental issues from stomach acid
- Digestive problems, such as bloating and constipation
- Damage to the throat and esophagus
The Emotional Struggle
Bulimia is often driven by feelings of inadequacy, shame, and low self-worth. For many, bingeing provides temporary relief from emotional pain, but the guilt that follows only perpetuates the cycle. Many individuals with bulimia also struggle with co-occurring issues like anxiety and depression, making it even harder to break free on their own.
Recovery Is Possible
Overcoming bulimia means addressing both the physical and emotional components of the disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective in helping individuals understand the thought patterns that drive bingeing and purging. Through therapy and nutritional guidance, you can learn healthier ways to cope with emotions and build a more positive relationship with food.
At Seye Wellness Coaching, I offer a safe and supportive environment to help you regain control over your life. Together, we can work on healing both your body and mind, allowing you to break the cycle and move toward lasting recovery.
Binge Eating Disorder: Healing from Emotional Eating
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, yet it’s often misunderstood. Unlike bulimia, those with BED do not engage in purging behaviors after bingeing. Instead, they struggle with overwhelming feelings of shame, guilt, and helplessness after consuming large amounts of food in a short period. Many individuals with BED feel stuck in a pattern of emotional eating, but recovery is within reach.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder involves episodes of eating large amounts of food—often rapidly and in secret. These binges are usually followed by intense feelings of regret and disgust, but without the purging behaviors seen in bulimia. Common signs of BED include:
- Eating more rapidly than usual
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts even when not physically hungry
- Feeling guilty or disgusted after eating
Individuals with BED often use food as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or difficult emotions, but this can create a painful cycle of emotional eating.
The Physical and Emotional Impact
Binge eating can lead to serious physical consequences, including:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease and gastrointestinal issues
Emotionally, BED often leaves individuals feeling isolated and ashamed, which can make it harder to seek help. Many also struggle with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, which can fuel the cycle of binge eating.
Finding a Path to Recovery
Recovery from Binge Eating Disorder is possible with the right support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you identify the emotional triggers behind binge eating and develop healthier ways to cope. Nutritional guidance is also important in helping you restore balanced eating habits and regain control over your food choices.
At Seye Wellness Coaching, I provide personalized, compassionate support to help you heal from the emotional and physical toll of binge eating. Together, we’ll work on building a healthier relationship with food and finding lasting relief from the cycle of emotional eating.
Conclusion
No matter which eating disorder you’re struggling with—anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder—there is hope. With early intervention and compassionate support, recovery is possible. At Seye Wellness Coaching, I am dedicated to helping individuals break free from the patterns that keep them stuck and create a life that is not defined by disordered eating. You deserve a life filled with health, balance, and peace. Let’s work together to get you there.
How Do Genetics and Environmental Factors Contribute to Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex illnesses influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Some individuals are born with genetic variants that increase their susceptibility to these disorders. These genetic vulnerabilities often interact with environmental stressors, such as dieting, trauma, intense exercise, and medical conditions, to trigger the onset of eating disorders.
Traditionally, treatments have focused on nutritional and psychological interventions, addressing issues like nutritional deficiencies, bingeing or purging behaviors, and weight restoration. However, recent advancements in genetics are offering new avenues for understanding and treating eating disorders.
Since 2008, my research has been dedicated to identifying the genetic mutations that contribute to the development of eating disorders. After years of study, we can now begin to apply these findings in clinical settings, offering genetic testing to patients who may benefit from more personalized treatment strategies. While not recommended as a first-line option, genetic testing can be particularly useful for those who do not respond to traditional treatments or have a strong family history of eating disorders.
Genetic insights are not only providing new treatment options but also helping to reduce the shame and guilt often associated with eating disorders. Many patients feel validated when they see the genetic basis of their condition, which can lead to greater engagement in their treatment. As research continues to evolve, the integration of genetic understanding into eating disorder treatment holds promise for more effective and compassionate care.
