As the new year approaches, many of us are filled with hope for a fresh start. New Year’s resolutions are often seen as a way to improve oneself, but for individuals struggling with eating disorders, these goals can have unintended negative consequences. Resolutions that focus on weight loss, dieting, or body image can worsen mental health and eating disorder symptoms. Let’s explore why certain New Year’s resolutions can trigger harmful behaviors and how to set healthier intentions for the year ahead.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Can Be Especially Challenging for Those with Eating Disorders
The tradition of setting goals for self-improvement can be empowering for many, but for people in recovery from eating disorders, resolutions that focus on dieting or body image can be damaging. These goals often encourage harmful behaviors like restricting food intake, excessive exercise, or comparing one’s body to unrealistic standards.
For someone dealing with an eating disorder, these types of resolutions can exacerbate feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. Instead of fostering self-compassion, they place additional pressure on individuals to conform to external expectations, which can hinder their recovery journey.
When Do Most People Give Up on Their Resolutions?
Statistical research suggests that sticking to New Year’s resolutions is more difficult than many expect. According to the University of Scranton, approximately 92% of people abandon their resolutions before the year is up, with many giving up as early as February. This high failure rate can be particularly hard on those struggling with eating disorders, as unmet goals related to weight loss or body image can lead to feelings of failure and self-blame.
For individuals recovering from an eating disorder, not meeting a resolution to lose weight or follow a strict diet can create a cycle of self-criticism, guilt, and disordered eating behaviors, such as bingeing or purging. This pattern only strengthens the harmful thoughts and actions that are central to many eating disorders.
How New Year’s Resolutions Can Trigger Eating Disorder Symptoms
- Unrealistic Expectations Around Appearance: Many people’s New Year’s resolutions involve changing their bodies—often with a focus on losing weight or achieving a “perfect” look. For someone with an eating disorder, these goals can be especially harmful, as they perpetuate the belief that self-worth is tied to how one looks rather than who they are.
- Dieting and Restriction: A common New Year’s resolution is to start a diet or restrict food in some way. For individuals with eating disorders, dieting can lead to unhealthy behaviors like starvation, excessive calorie counting, or binge eating. These restrictive patterns may worsen the disorder, making it harder to regain a healthy relationship with food.
- Perfectionism and the Fear of Failure: Many individuals with eating disorders hold themselves to high standards, believing that anything less than perfection is failure. When resolutions related to weight loss or appearance are not achieved, it can lead to an overwhelming sense of failure, which may trigger harmful eating behaviors as a form of coping.
- Increased Anxiety and Stress: The added stress of trying to achieve New Year’s goals can increase anxiety, a feeling already common among those with eating disorders. This heightened anxiety can lead to disordered behaviors as a way to manage overwhelming emotions.
Healthier Ways to Approach the New Year
If you or someone you care about is recovering from an eating disorder, it’s crucial to approach the new year with care and consideration. Here are some healthier alternatives to typical weight-focused resolutions:
- Focus on Emotional Health: Instead of setting goals that revolve around appearance, consider resolutions that focus on emotional well-being. Practices like mindfulness, gratitude journaling, or seeking therapy can help build resilience and promote self-acceptance.
- Avoid Dieting and Restrictive Goals: Resolutions centered on dieting or food restrictions can trigger harmful behaviors. Instead, set goals that encourage healthy, balanced living. Consider setting goals around engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, without the pressure to alter your appearance.
- Build a Strong Support System: Recovery is easier when there’s a network of support. Building or strengthening relationships with friends, family, or professionals can help individuals stay on track with their recovery goals and provide emotional support during tough times.
- Practice Compassion and Flexibility: Perfection is not the goal. It’s important to approach the new year with a mindset of self-compassion. Setting realistic, flexible goals will allow for growth and healing while still acknowledging the progress made during recovery.
Moving Into the New Year with Purpose
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be centered around dieting or body changes. For individuals with eating disorders, these types of resolutions can cause more harm than good, triggering unhealthy behaviors and thoughts. Instead, consider setting goals that focus on emotional well-being, mental health, and personal growth. These types of goals can foster a sense of accomplishment without reinforcing negative body image or eating disorder behaviors.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking support is the first step toward healing. With the right care, recovery is possible. This year, let’s focus on setting resolutions that promote healing, joy, and self-acceptance.
