As season 22 of “Dancing with the Stars” comes to a close, we can reflect on this year’s biggest moments. Even though she came in third place, Good Morning America meteorologist Ginger Zee triumphed over her personal struggles. Zee opened up to the cameras about her experience as a teen struggling with an eating disorder. According to Eating Disorder Hope, four out of ten people have experienced or know someone who has an eating disorder. She is not the first celebrity to come out with a history of eating and body image issues. However in many ways Ginger shed light on some common misunderstandings about eating disorders.
The first misconception is that an eating disorder is a choice. As Ginger pointed out, she made an initial choice not to eat a meal in order to regain “control of her life”. From that point on her choices were controlled by the disease that damaged her physical and psychological well being. What starts out as a conscious choice spirals into a cycle of self-destructive thoughts, actions and behaviors.
Another misconception is that “just eating” will solve all the problems. Ginger reflects on the years of therapy and maturity it took for her to overcome the lasting effects of disordered eating and poor body image. Through different types of therapy and learning about proper nutrition she slowly began to regain control of her life. A common myth surrounding eating disorders is that recovery is immediate upon reaching a healthy body weight. When in fact individuals will continue to build their self-love and acceptance as well as their relationship with food for years to come.
A final misconception is that this disease is a means of dieting. When in truth eating disorders develop as a response to a stressful or traumatic time in a person’s life. Zee explained her parents divorce served as the driving force behind her illness. Eating disorders become a coping skill used to regain control or order in life. Which is why psychotherapy is an essential part of eating disorder recovery.
Looking back on this season of “Dancing with the Stars”, we will remember Ginger because her words were more memorable than her dance moves. Ginger Zee bravely started an open conversation that millions of Americans keep private. Eating disorders are not a choice and they are not a diet. Eating alone cannot cure this disease. Ginger felt called to share her story in order to create a conversation starter for others suffering in silence. If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, there is hope. You can visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/recovery for more information.
