We recently received an email asking the question, “Is anorexia a sin?” This is a really important question and we’re glad it was asked. Here’s the email response we gave. We’re not experts on eating disorders and would welcome others to share thoughts, insights and other links.
Hi K—,
I’m really glad that you wrote. When I was in Junior High I had some friends who struggled with eating disorders and I know that these are really difficult issues.
The scriptures themselves do not directly say anything about anorexia, but one test we can use to tell if a certain activity is good is, “Does it bring me closer to Christ? Is it helping me build a deeper relationship with him?” Anorexia definitely does not pass this test.
We need to remember that our bodies are temples of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Although it is hard for some people to realize, eating disorders harm our bodies. Anything that damages our bodies is not good.
I looked up some articles from the church on this topic and thought they might help:
http://www.providentliving.lds.org/ses/emotionalhealth/0,12283,2130-1—53,00.html
K—-, if you are struggling with anorexia or bulimia I want to promise you that you will be happier if you talk to an adult that you personally know. It could be your mom, dad, young woman’s leader, bishop, but I just want to testify to you that God loves you and he can help you. Eating disorders are serious challenges and they are not something that we should try to overcome on our own. Again K—-, if you are struggling with this issue, I urge you to talk to a parent or church leader.
Remember these verses — God has said:
“I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:12)
“I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3)
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)
“I the Lord…will hold thine hand” (Isaiah 42:6).
He will help you and we encourage you to seek help directly from a trusted adult.
Anorexia is a serious emotional problem that can take a lifetime to overcome. Anyone with eating disorders needs to seek professional help and a loving support system. And try to always remember that the mirror is lying, but Heavenly Father is not.
as teenager i stuggled with both eating disorders it went from one extreme to another and having this disorder made me not beable to see my self for who i realy was as i looked in the mirror i didnt see what others saw i saw something much worse this disorder is very difficult i keep remembering a picture some one gave me that at the tome i couldnt quite understand until i became a mother it was a picture of our savior with a tear running down his cheek and it said (IF YOU COULD ONLY SEE YOUR SELF AS I SEE YOU) we dont see our selves as others see us we are often so hard on our selves and it is so sad eating disorders need to be delt with very carefully and if you have one you need to get help so that you can heal and learn to love you for you because their is not one person that dosnt have a piece of god in them and that makes all of us beautiful .
Its a mental health problem. Its no more a sin than depression or any other disorder.
If you suffer from this , you need to get professional help to recover.
I do not think it is a sin . No it is not the smart thing to do but it is the result of a family member or a peer that has been abusive or spent time telling the individual how ugly they are or that they are too fat . There are other causes of it but it should never be cosidered a sin . It is a cry for help and anyone who thinks of it as a sin needs to repent and ask the Lord to teach them to be more compassionate and less judgemental . They need to remember that the worth of a soul is great in the sight of God
Of course anorexia (like a great deal of behaviors) is a sin, but this does not mean that those who are entangled in its grasp are any less worthy of selfless love and acceptance. My personal experiences have lead me to believe that depress…ion, anorexia, OCD and many other forms of chronic mental and self-destructive illness spawn from spiritual diseases (such as despair, pride or hate) which allow a demonic influence to begin the slow and steady poison of the mind. And unfortunately, too often we (who are unaware of the anguish and helplessness that accompanies spiritual illness) judge the victim for not kicking “the habit” and ending their trial.
So then, what is the proper behavior towards someone who suffers from a spiritual illness? It is love-a love which does not condone negative behavior, nor label the particular behavior as the personality of the individual effected, but understands, believes in, and offers hope in the Savior and His ability to perfect all weakness. True love is manifest in selfless understanding. If you truly love someone, believe in them-believe in the goodness within in them. It will do miracles in their lives.
I have watched eating disorders tear my friends lifes apart, its not an easy thing! It hurts, i have suffered from it before too. It was almost a year ago but it still haunts me, even after I got help. I think that people just need to try to understand and it would make everything so much better. I agree with most of the other comments, its not a sin, but that doesnt make it right, or easy to move on from