Eating Disorders And Religion Essay

The informative readings that were assigned this week detail the connection between religion and eating disorders. In terms of morality, I found it interesting how “illness, and the suffering inhering within it, are both intermingled with desire” [1] . In many cases of eating disorders, the individual feels compelled to express their pain in the form of bodily distress and starvation. In some way, this allows them to convey to the outside world what is happening within. While this is by no means a healthy way to cope, it is understandable that some may find it difficult to escape the grip their disorder has on them. Likewise, this type of suffering can be “conceptualized as a pull towards that which is absent or out of reach” and manifests

Since I did not grow up in a religious household, it was more challenging to understand and relate to those whose eating disorders were exacerbated by that type of environment. However, it makes sense that religious traditions which involve fasting can intensify disordered thoughts and behaviors for certain individuals. The restrictive nature of religious fasting promotes and even praises avoidance of food, which can be triggering for those who already have or are at risk of an ED. On the other hand, making the assumption that all religions cause eating disorders “could alienate many people and make them less likely to reach out and get the help they need” [2] . While our readings this week highlighted the correlation between religious practices and development of an ED, I think it is important to remember that religion by itself does not promote eating disorders. In fact, Buddhists place an emphasis on “the enjoyment one experiences from eating” and consider how “the food they consume connects them to the rest of the world” [3] . Many other religions celebrate with extravagant meals and encourage physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My biggest takeaway from these readings is a deeper understanding in the variety of social and cultural elements of eating