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Letting Go of the Scale in Binge Eating Disorder Recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
There is typically a hyper-focus on weight in our society, where we are often fixated with numbers and taking extreme measures to reach a certain number or weight. For the individual who may be recovering from an eating disorder, is there a place for weighing oneself, or is this practice and habit more detrimental and harmful to recovery?
Don’t Let the Scale Control You
Keeping track of weight in eating disorder recovery, particularly when recovering from binge eating disorder, can serve as a distraction and become more of an obstacle to making peace with yourself and your body. While it is not uncommon for weight changes to result from binge eating, fixating on weight during the recovery process will only deter an individual from addressing the issues at heart of the eating disorder.
For many people who choose to weigh themselves, stepping on the scale can be a source of angst, frustration, and anxiety. The number seen on the scale often dictates what a person might do throughout the day in terms of eating and exercise and overrule how they may be feeling about themselves and their body. For example, a person who steps on the scale and sees a number that is higher than what they might like may make the choice to manipulate and change their eating habits. This may be in attempt for weight loss or to change the number that is being seen when stepping on the scale.
The problem is that weight is simply a number – nothing more. It cannot tell you anything about your self-worth or your value as a human being, yet many individuals learn to define themselves by the number that is read on the scale. Weight is also not an indicator of health, and manipulating eating behaviors in attempt to change weight can only lead to harmful consequences.
If you are in recovery from binge eating disorder, consider letting go of your scale. As you work with your treatment team, there is absolutely no need to weigh yourself. Keeping your recovery a priority begins by letting go of the things that have been holding you back or distracting you from issues that need your full attention. If you are having trouble letting go of the scale, consider discussing this with your treatment team to find the help and support you need.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Why do you think it is important to let the scale go in eating disorder recovery?
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals. We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 9, 2015. Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
