“An eating disorder informed workplace would be careful not to comment on people’s bodies, and not to encourage weight loss through competition or diet talk,” says Rebecca Eyre, eating disorder therapist and the CEO of Project HEAL.
2. Don’t hold weight-loss challenges, and refrain from making values-based comments about food or bodies at work. For example, “I feel so fat today,” “I have to be good and have a salad for lunch today,” or “Did you see how poorly that shirt fit them?” Body image talk, intentional weight loss, and yo-yo dieting are research-backed predictors and exacerbators of eating disorders and negative health outcomes.
As such, an eating disorder informed workplace would be careful not to comment on people’s bodies, and not to encourage weight loss through competition or diet talk.In addition to avoiding moralizing and diet-centered conversation, buffet-style lines can be overwhelming for those in recovery. Instead, make these parties optional or just avoid having them altogether. People with an eating disorder may be likelier to confide in a colleague, rather than their employer, and may benefit from having a mealtime buddy. “If you know someone specific who has confided in you with their struggle, simply being a friendly face during food-centered work events and lending a non-judgmental ear would be helpful as well.” “An eating disorder informed workplace would be careful not to comment on people’s bodies, and not to encourage weight loss through competition or diet talk.” 4. Employers, keep eating disorders in mind as you set insurance coverage and plans and be patient with eating disorder recovery. Even though eating disorders are one of the most fatal mental illnesses, people who don’t fit the outdated mental image of an eating disorder are often overlooked, dismissed as “not serious,” and sometimes even overtly encouraged in their eating disorder by medical providers, employers, and family members alike. Employers have the power to set health insurance coverage and company-wide plans, allowing or not allowing different levels of medical leave, and the obvious ability to hire and fire. Eating disorders also take a long time to heal, so it’s important to have patience and see employees as whole people. For those who have been malnourished for long periods of time, their cognitive functioning may be affected.Eating disorders are often a form of coping internally with a difficulty out of a person’s control. Eating disorders are not just about food or body image. “Eating disorders are intimate by nature; they are often deeply rooted in a desire to be accepted and loved by others, and they impact how we feel about ourselves emotionally and physically,” says Eyre. People are less likely to speak with others about how they may feel unloved or judged based on their appearance, but they also may be less likely to discuss potential underlying trauma or emotional distress that often causes eating disorders. “Body image talk, intentional weight loss, and yo-yo dieting are research-backed predictors and exacerbators of eating disorders and negative health outcomes.”Many of those struggling with these issues are also unaware that healing is possible and may not ask for help. Project HEAL has compiled a number of support groups and other resources; if employers would like to access them, they can reach outIf you or anyone you know is struggling with an eating disorder and you don’t know what to do, find out more about your options at. If you’re an employer looking to support your employees through an eating-disorder-informed lens, please reach out to Project HEAL’s team to schedule an eating disorders awareness training for your teams. Please contact Serena Nangia with any questions or inquiries at serena@theprojectheal.org.
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