The National Eating Disorders Association took down a controversial chatbot, after users showed how the newest version could dispense potentially harmful advice about dieting and calorie counting.
Many eating disorder specialists oppose the new guidance's focus on weight loss and BMI, and say it minimizes the risk of disordered eating and will perpetuate deep-rooted, damaging stigmas.
The new approach aims to promote overall fitness instead of focusing on specific exercises, and the devices will also give Guardians feedback about mental health, balanced eating and sleep.
Studies show that veterans have a much higher risk of eating disorders than civilians. Risk factors include chaotic eating situations, weight requirements and a culture of being in control.
Eating disorders strike nearly 1 in 10 Americans, with the second-highest death rate of all psychiatric disorders. The pandemic's food insecurity, stockpiling and stress are triggering flare-ups.
For Susan Burton, decades of disordered eating was about power. "As long as I was bingeing, I didn't have to think. I didn't have to think about any loss or pain or wanting or yearning."
