The first and most important step in prevention is to educate yourself. Be aware of the risk factors associated with disordered eating, and know what disordered eating looks like. Many risk factors have been identified throughout this project, however it is important to continue research and identify other risk factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
Aside from educating yourself and others on these risk factors, there are other ways to help prevent eating disorders. Whether you are a doctor, parent, teacher, friend, etc., here are some ways to help prevent disordered eating in yourself and others:
Aside from educating yourself and others on these risk factors, there are other ways to help prevent eating disorders. Whether you are a doctor, parent, teacher, friend, etc., here are some ways to help prevent disordered eating in yourself and others:
- Avoid labeling food as “good”, “bad”, “safe”, or “unsafe”.
- Discourage the idea that dieting is effective or necessary.
- Focus on what you do like about your body.
- Focus on what your body can do for you.
- Do not comment on the weight or size of someone else’s body, even if you mean it as a compliment.
- Do not comment on the weight or size of your own body. For example, do not say things such as “I really need to lose weight”, “I let myself go”, “I wish I was skinnier”, “I’m so fat”, etc.
- If you catch yourself judging either yourself or others based on appearance, correct yourself. Recognize that these thoughts are not healthy or relevant, and remember that a person’s appearance does not tell you anything about their personality, character, feelings, etc.
- Analyze all forms of media, especially when they relate to body image and food. Ask yourself what message the media is sending, how it impacts you or others, etc.
- Get rid of anything that makes you feel bad about yourself. If you follow someone on social media that makes you feel unworthy, unfollow them. If you see an advertisement that makes you feel sad or upset, report the ad or unfollow the page that posted the ad. If you see a page in a magazine that makes you feel bad, rip the page out and throw it away.
- Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your loved ones. We often encourage and support our loved ones, yet we talk down on ourselves. If we learn to love ourselves and say positive things, we can help to improve our confidence, self-image, body image, etc.
- Make all of your health-related goals unrelated to your weight. Your weight is not an indicator of your health.
- Surround yourself with positive people. If your social circle is full of people who are promoting a certain body image, discussing weight, judging others, etc., you may want to consider expanding or changing your social circle to include people who are encouraging, uplifting, supportive, non-judgmental, etc.
- Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable. Do not worry about sizes - just buy and wear what makes you feel good.
- If you think a loved one may have an eating disorder, gently ask them about it and try to have a discussion. Encourage them to reach out for help if they need it.
- If you think you may have an eating disorder, talk about it with someone you trust and feel comfortable with.