Christian Based Eating Disorder Treatment
By Heleen Woest
You might have seen my blogs about Christian based eating disorder treatment and wondered if you really have a “problem”. Maybe you just need another diet or need to pray more about this…
This question of whether one really has an eating disorder is actually quite common, also in Christian circles. It is plain to see that a person with anorexia or bulimia needs help, but other eating disorders such as compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder tend to be outright denied or minimized by the person who struggle with this as well as the people surrounding her life.
For years I wasn’t sure what to make of it either because as Christians we tend to do one of two things:
ONE
We look at our eating problem only from a spiritual perspective. We neglect to face the fact that God has made us stewards over our bodies and emotions: So we pray and we fast yet nothing seems to change and we stay stuck in a cycle of promising ourselves and God that we will do better, just to fail again the next day.
TWO
On the flip side, we tend to totally deny that food struggles might have a spiritual root such as idolatry or gluttony. We play it down as something insignificant, something we have to take care of ourselves and not “bother” God with. We are convinced that we should just “find the right diet and get a grip” or “have some self-control already!” So we stay stuck in this place year after year, feeling condemned and convinced that we are “second-class Christians”
Have you considered that what you are dealing with might be an eating disorder?
You don’t have to vomit or sneak food to have an eating disorder. A disordered way of relating to food can rear its ugly head in many other ways.
See if you can relate…
- Every birthday we promise ourselves that we will start a diet as soon as the cake is eaten.
- Every Christmas we wish that we could fit in a nice Christmas dress or sweater, but we drink our gingerbread-lattes, eat our pumpkin pie, stay hidden in our houses and promise ourselves that next Christmas we will be thin.
- Every Spring we find ourselves staring at the breath taking summer dresses and we make plans to go on a diet that can take off 50 pounds in two weeks.
- Every Summer we hate wearing Capri pants when others wear shorts, we hate wearing cotton shirts when others wear tank tops and we decide that we will try it too. So we buy it, but we cringe and we promise ourselves that next summer will be different.
- Every wedding invitation makes our hearts skip a beat, not because of excitement, but because of stress. We get on the computer and search into the wee morning hours for a diet, the perfect diet potion, or the perfect pill to get us thin before the dreaded wedding date.
- Every day we promise ourselves that tomorrow will be different, and every night we cry ourselves to sleep because we did it again…
If any of this sounds familiar then you might be at a crossroads with your eating. It’s time to face the music: You need the help of God and people who understand.
Overeating and food addiction are actually very common among Christians. For years gluttony has been the “acceptable sin”. The truth is that it hurts our relationships with God and it harms our health and our families, just like any other sin. You can read more about Weight problems in the church on my website.
If you keep denying that this is a sin or a serious matter in your life, you will stay stuck. Please let the Holy Spirit search your heart. Start today on your journey to freedom by facing the seriousness of this matter. Then bring it before God, repent and ask Him to show you which way you should take to get out of this sinful pattern.
Eating Disorders Facts
Eating disorder articles advise anyone who thinks he or she might have an eating disorder to seek help. Consumption problems can do major damage to a person physically and emotionally. There are many web sites available that provide useful information on the three main types of eating disorders, which are; anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binging. All three of these include obsessions over food.
Anorexia nervosa is a disorder that usually manifests through a person who sees himself as heavier than they actually are. Often, this person will not eat at all or, eat very little. Sometimes anorexics thinks being thin will make people like them more. Facts on eating disorders associated with anorexia nervosa recommend counseling and nutrition counseling. Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Understanding that Christ accepts all people and loves them no matter what can bring healing from acceptance issues. Christian counseling gives hope for the everyday stresses associated with emotional issues of anorexia nervosa.
Bulimia nervosa happens when individuals to eat large amounts of food at one time then cause themselves to vomit or use laxatives to get rid of the 'weight'. Feelings that a person's life is out of control may precede this behavior. Facts on eating disorders give indications that when someone is performing these acts they feel they are in control at that moment whereas at other times they feel no control. Comfort comes from knowing that God is in control. When reading His word anyone can discover that He is trustworthy and faithful. People can give Him all worries and concerns over life and know that He is going to take care of everything. If asked, He will provide strength to help when needed and bring the healing to overcome such problems.
Binge eating is another problem that includes overeating but not usually purging. Men, women, boys, and girls can all be affected as well. It is important to seek treatment for overeating problems as soon as possible. Eating disorder articles include information on some physical effects as well. Starvation of the body damages the heart and brain. Blood pressure, pulse drop and thyroid functions slow down. Mild anemia and swollen joints may manifest in someone who is afflicted. Stomach problems may develop from purging such as rupture and damage to the esophagus and throat can occur as well.
Some treatments mentioned include honesty, increased self-awareness, and accepting one's own powerlessness over their life. Understanding the emotional implications of why the disease manifested in the first place is helpful with treatment. Sometimes people use food to soothe any feeling of emptiness, experiencing loneliness, despair and failure. People also tend to look for something to make them feel better when spiritually hungry. Facts on eating disorders include suggestions on how to find something to soothe and calm the sufferer in place of food. Other suggestions include keeping a daily journal to help understand thoughts and feelings associated with food.
Developing a personal relationship with Jesus and seeking him everyday can bring victory. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16) Eating disorder articles online provide data on the emotional and physical aspects. Understanding the underlying causes of the disease and participating in a healing program is important for treatment. Anyone suffering from this type of disease may also be suffering from low self-esteem and depression. Experiencing the love of Christ in life can bring peace in the midst of struggle. Jesus understands all struggles and if asked, He will help.