What’s Eating You?

Recently, docu-dramas are shining a spotlight on the issues of hoarding, drug addiction and OCD. Now the problem of eating disorders is ready for its close-up thanks to the new E! show What’s Eating You. Debuting in October 2010, the program centers around men and women battling distorted body image and self-created, life-threatening food rituals and compulsions.  

Often, the disorder is life-threatening and disordered eating is always dangerous. In the Oct. 13 episode, viewers watched Adrienne, a successful dancer, attempt to overcome her years of dysmorphia-induced anorexia that threatens her career as a result of startling appearance. In the same episode, Danni struggled to suppress her bulimic tendencies, which have already cost her family more than $100,000 and could ultimately cost Danni her life.  

The Oct. 20 episode introduced Marc, a bulimic with severe OCD, and Kristy, a former model and mother of two who is fighting a 23-year binge/purge addiction. As with so many addictions, there is trauma at the root as we see when Marc unearths abusive childhood memories, which triggered his disorder. Meanwhile, Kristy’s disorder has damaged her body and threatens to destroy her family. 

Not Just Anorexia or Bulimia

In addition to more traditional eating disorders, the E! show introduces the audience to some more bizarre food-related issues, including a woman who eats a roll of toilet paper dipped in pickle juice every night before bed and another who lives in seclusion and feels compelled to eat twigs, pencil erasers and super glue. There is also an aspiring model whose body is so starved that she physically smells because her body literally is eating itself alive.  

The show relies on a team of nine experts to provide treatment to those featured on the show. And as you watch, the point is clearly made that food-related addiction is a deep-seated issue that can’t be cured in an hour. What the show does accomplish in that hour, though, is offering a glimpse into the pain and personal stories behind eating disorders.  

For information on upcoming episodes, go to http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/whats_eating_you/episodes.html. 

Eating Disorder Treatment at The Canyon

If you or someone you love is battling an eating disorder and addiction, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.