Why would a friend of mine vegetarian also have had an eating disorder? I thought to be a vegetarian was to?

Question

be health conscious? And an eating disorder, bulemia, etc. is one of the most harmful things to do to your body & organs? She became a vegetarian because her husband was but was it more to maintain weight than to be healthy? Doesn't make sense.

Answer 1

People choose veggieism for different reasons. I didn't do it to maintain my weight 9 years ago, I did it for animals. When I became vegetarian, I didn't do my research though...I got a flu bug and then, I just stopped eating. I was borderline being diagnosed with anorexia, because when I got sick, my stomach shrank. Just because you're a vegetarian doesn't mean that you can't be self conscious about your appearance. what doesn't make sense is that you think that vegetarians are perfectly healthy. :)

Answer 2

Health conciousness doesn't even come into it for a some vegetarians, because it's usually done for reasons such as not wishing to condone the killing or mistreatment of animals or disliking meat rather than to eat a better diet. From my own experience there are people who become vegetarian because it offers an element of control over their diet, and also, unfortunately, provides a good explanation for not eating certain types of food (for example burgers, sausages- meat dishes typically have more fat and calories in than many veggie dishes), for avoiding eating altogether when there is only a meat option available, and for avoiding sweet things on the grounds that they may contain gelatine. This list is not exhaustive.

It may well be that your friend wants to be vegetarian for the 'right' reasons, but don't make the mistake of thinking that a vegetarian diet is necessarily a healthy choice. I hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

People will often use vegetarianism as a way to cover up an eating disorder. When eating around others, rather than eating calorie-dense foods, they will simply order a salad, while claiming to be vegetarian. Sadly, this gives vegetarianism a bad name, and also allows the person's eating disorder to go unnoticed for longer than it would otherwise.

Answer 4

Eating disorders are more about control than actual eating. It isn't about being healthy. Most people with eating disorders have other problems and they often find that the only thing they are able to feel like they are in control of is their eating. Of course they aren't really in control of it. It is similar to obsessive compulsive disorder. I think that a vegetarian would be just as likely to have an eating disorder as anyone else.

Answer 5

A lot of people with eating disorders start out by telling people they are vegetarian or vegan so that you are less suspicious when they start eating really weird. It doesn't have anything to do with being health-conscious.

Answer 6

You are right. I have noticed people with eating disorders in some cases tend to lean towards a vegetarian diet. They just don't eat the right amount and include healthy items such as beans. I think their main concern is calories and most vegetables are low in them. It doesn't make sense to harm ones self this way.

Answer 7

people become to be vegetarian for their own reasons. i became one to promote animal rights. being a vegetarian doesn't mean you have an eating disorder, i'm 14 and a vegetarian and i eat like a pig (but i don't eat pigs...lol)....but being a vegetarian doesn't mean your watching your weight, but it could. just sit down and have a one-on-one talk about this situation.

luck!

Answer 8

Sometimes people with eating disorders hide behind the label of Vegetarian or Vegan to limit what they can eat, and make it seem more socially acceptable to eat less. What people with ED's should not influence your opinion of all Vegetarians and Vegans, most of us, myself included, probably eat too much!

Answer 9

I dont completely understand your sentence. But vegetarians can be healthy with eating a lot of legumes, however not all vegetarians are skinny, just saying.

Answer 10

Your friend needs help. Eating disorders are very serious. If her husband doesn't know what she's doing, you really should tell him so that he can try to get her the medical and psychological help she needs. You also should encourage her to seek treatment for her disorder.