Eating Disorder Buzzwords on the Rise

Buzzwords related to eating disorders are popping up on websites, blogs, television, and newspaper articles. These words are not official medical terms, but a way for the media to use catchier language to describe the problem. In some ways, these buzzwords lesson the seriousness of eating disorders into a trendy saying. Some of these words include:

• Manorexia: A term that has been used to describe anorexia nervosa in males.
• Orthorexia: An obsession with what is perceived as healthy food—eliminating fats and preservatives for example. However, this condition can cause people to dangerously deprive themselves of nutrients.
• Diabulimia: Refers to Type 1 diabetics who avoid taking insulin, which can cause weight gain. Studies have shown that women with diabetes are almost 2.5 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than women without diabetes.
• Drunkorexia: Among those who are described as "drunkorexics" are college-age binge drinkers, typically women, who starve all day to offset the calories in the alcohol that is consumed. The term is also associated with serious eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa, which involves bingeing not only food, but also alcohol—and then purging.

Use of these terms in the popular media could desensitize the seriousness of an eating disorder. Just because these term are used in the tabloids does not make the disease any less problematic. It's the identical problem, but with different language. So the next time you read one of these words, think about how it changes your perspective. Eating disorder behavior is serious regardless of how it is labeled.

—LW

Sources: New York Times, Healthday.com.