Feasts can cause eating disorder anxiety

HOUSTON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The bounty of food and beverages during the holidays can bring extra challenges for those with eating disorders, a U.S. expert says.

The office parties, festivities and family gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day bring an overabundance of food, as well as anxiety, and can be definite triggers for many suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, says Janice Poplack of The Menninger Clinic in Houston.

"The anxiety the holidays can bring for someone being treated for or recovering from any type of eating disorder can be overwhelming," Poplack said in a statement. "It's important that family members and friends be more empathetic and supportive during this time."

Families and friends can make sure those with eating disorders don't eat alone, set exact times for meals, or have those with an eating disorder help participate in planning the meal, says Kimberly Stephens, a dietitian for The Menninger Clinic.

"If they don't currently see a dietitian, now might be a good time to enlist the services of one to help your loved one get through this time period," Stephens said.

Try to engage people with eating disorders in events, even if they are small ones like going out for lunch with a few friends, Poplack advises.

"And focus your positive comments not on their exterior appearance, but rather on their traits or actions," Poplack said.