Getting Sober Improved my Body Image (E39)
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Gill discusses body image. She struggled with disordered eating and body dysmorphia before she started drinking, which is why she started drinking so late in life. When she began recovering from these issues, she started drinking, and just swapped one problem for another. Gill explains how common it is to struggle with both eating disorders and alcohol abuse, how common it is to trade one problem for another, and more about body dysmorphia. You’ll learn about her journey from feeling fat at 9 years old, to finally liking her body for the first time in her life at 30 years old.
Key Takeaways
The onset of eating disorders generally occurs between the ages of 18-20 and is often associated with a stressful life event. Research suggests that people who suffer from eating disorders often suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Several studies have found that people with eating disorders are more likely to abuse substances than people without eating disorders.
Transfer addiction between food and alcohol is very common. One study surveyed 3,006 women and found that 43% of women who had a history of bulimia also had a history of alcohol abuse or dependence. Additionally, 20% of people who have had gastric bypass surgery develop alcohol use disorder. That’s 3x the rate of the general population.
It’s not about being thin, even though that definitely helps, what it’s really about is treating my body with kindness and respect. I never guilt or shame myself about a food choice I’ve made, I never feel compelled to binge, I don’t obsess over calories or macros, and I don’t feel that I have to exercise a certain amount. I’m just relaxed about it. When the obsession went away, I could finally see progress.
Cite this episode
Tietz, G. Episode 39: Getting Sober Improved my Body Image. Sober Powered. 2021
Sources
Hajnal A, Zharikov A, Polston JE, et al. Alcohol reward is increased after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in dietary obese rats with differential effects following ghrelin antagonism. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e49121.
Grant BF, Stinson FS, Dawson DA, et al. Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Substance Use Disorders and Independent Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Alcohol Res Health. 2006;29(2):107-120.
Dunn, E. et al. Alcohol and Drug-Related Negative Consequences in College Students with Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. Wiley Periodicals. 2002.
