An individual who has an eating disorder has asked this question many times “Why Am I Fat?” I learned a long time ago “Why” is not a recovery word! It doesn’t matter why he or she is fat- the fact remains for various reasons he or she has an eating disorder. The word fat sounds so negative it can be hard for him or her to hear they asked to be fat.

Right now who ever is reading this maybe offended, perhaps a nerve was hit. Good! Awareness is necessary in order to get an eating disorder under control. When fat is invited in typically as a defense mechanism or a quick fix for comfort is becomes an addiction. Many individuals whom experience fat as the outward symptom don’t realize a choice exists of recovery.

The first time I heard that I chose to be fat I was so angry. I was fortunate to have an eating disorder specialist tell me the truth of my disease. There was a payoff to my being fat, I had to identify what that was-I had to ask myself “Why Do I WANT to BE FAT!!!” I was receiving a payoff negative or positive there was a payoff.

Going to an inpatient treatment program for eating disorders is a safe, controlled environment to get to the heart of the matter. Help is available to individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders. The idea that only anorexia or bulimia is an eating disorder is incorrect eating disorders cover a broad range. If after reading this article he or she is ready for treatment reach out and get help.