Raising Awareness of Eating Disorders in the Entertainment Industry

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

From an outsider’s perspective, those who work in the entertainment industry appear to have it all, or at least opportunities for obtaining prestige and luxury on a grandeur scale.  While many of us would dream to be in such a position of fame and power, we cannot possibly fully understand the pressures and unique stress factors that individuals in the entertainment industry face.

The Nature of the Job

Our perspective and understanding on the entertainment industry is largely fashioned by what we see, read, and interpret from social media, advertisements, and the like. Though we might see the glamorous side of the entertainment industry, we hardly understand what individuals may be facing whose work is fully submerged in this culture.

Many of the people who have found great success in the entertainment industry likely did not arise to that place in a short time period. This was undoubtedly the result of hard work and countless sacrifices, many which will never be seen or known by the general public.

Many individuals in the entertainment industry face unsteady work and subsequently, wavering pay. Jobs may come and go, which can create financial insecurity. In addition, individuals in the entertainment industry are often at the mercy of the job itself. For example, it may be required to have a certain look or appearance for an upcoming role, which may involve severe weight fluctuations and abnormal eating habits.

Working in the entertainment industry typically involves long hours, traveling and inconsistent food sources. Not to mention, those who are within the entertainment industry face pressures to maintain appearance for the general public, which can also create additional stress and pressure.

Eating Disorder Development

Working in a certain job cannot be responsible in itself for eating disorder development, but there may be factors to consider that can influence the progression of these diseases. All the wealth and fame cannot take away the pain that an individual might experience when struggling with an eating disorder. The stereotypes associated with eating disorders continue to be challenged, which slowly makes it easier for a person struggling to reach out for help. If you are working in the entertainment industry and find yourself dealing with an eating disorder, take the most important step towards establishing recovery by connecting to a professional for help and treatment.

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About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 24, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com