A person suffering from Atypical
Anorexia (AAN) must show body dissatisfaction, intentional restrictive behavior, and fear of gaining weight while maintaining a BMI of <
18.5 and typically fall within the
normal to the overweight range.
HAES-supportive nutritionists, wellness advisors, and other non-physicians from within the industry have bastardized the diagnosis of AAN while attempting to
free their clients from “diet
culture” and encouraging those to
eat “what you want, whenever you want”. This trend harms the person by not acknowledging the self-destructive behaviour inherent in bingeing and using
food for pleasure. Many consider this a misclassification of Eating Disorders, primarily Binge-Eating Disorder (
BED), in an attempt to separate themselves from the stigma and
shame related to gluttony and overindulgence. Unfortunately, this is at the expense of those who truly suffer from AAN since they are already underrepresented in medical literature and considered not severe enough for treatment.
Recently, Tess Holliday declared she was diagnosed with Anorexia at around 350lbs. In contrast to her claims, her social media features a plentitude of sweets,
cakes, and takeout consumed on a weekly basis without
shame. Such a false diagnosis of Atypical Anorexia is coined as Tessorexia Nervosa. Often individuals who are suffering from Tessorexia claim to be in recovery from Anorexia and any attempt to modify their diet would trigger a relapse causing them to waste away.
I suffer from Tessorexia Nervosa! I’m in recovery from
Anorexia! Don’t talk to me about my
diet or I’ll starve myself again and it
will be your fault!
