New study links increased eating during menstrual cycle to heightened risk for eating disorders in women
Over the past 25 years, Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef and the staff at Fairwinds Treatment Center have successfully treated countless patients that came to us struggling with alcoholism, drug abuse and eating disorders, and left as healthier, more fulfilled people. This is thanks in part to Dr. El-Yousef's specialized dual diagnosis methodology — a unique approach that treats the underlying mental and emotional triggers for substance abuse and eating disorders, in addition to the physical symptoms, to facilitate a long-lasting recovery. But our success rate is also owed to the capability of our caring and highly accredited staffers, such as Dr. Pauline Powers, a world-renowned expert on eating disorders whose knowledge and experience has been an instrumental part of our patients recoveries.
Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) recently released a new study that could explain a new physiological and psychological factor in determining eating disorder risk among women. According to the MSU team's findings, the hormonal changes and increased food consumption that accompanies a woman's menstrual cycle every month may feed into commonly-held negative stereotypes about women eating. That self-consciousness about food intake could then make someone more likely to develop an eating disorder.
"In our culture, we tend to view any increased eating by a woman as a negative thing, even when that gain is biologically and evolutionarily driven," said Dr. Kelly Klump, an MSU professor and a member of the research team, in an official statement. "This is a potentially dangerous chain of events that could lead to serious and life threatening eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This can be especially problematic during the holidays."
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to Fairwinds Treatment Center. As one of the country's top eating disorder treatment centers, our capable and caring staff can help put you on the road to recovery.
