Is MFP a breeding gound for eating disorders

I think it is. I think there is always going to be people who it for different purposes. Some maybe eating disorders. I personally am a compulsive overeater and I use this site to keep me accountable. I never lie on my diary, hence why its private.

There are things about the site that are enabling, true. I used to use the site to track my calories in an attempt to stay well under 900/day. And yes, when you're already struggling with wanting to drop a drastic number of pounds the "under her calorie goal" and "lost x pounds" announcements can be painful to see.

But as someone who still dabbles in restriction now and then I have found that overall the site is very helpful. I have friends on my list who know my history and keep an eye on my diary for me. I have a lot of my friends on my list who are very into fitness, not just calorie counting, and seeing them post their workouts (fueled with plenty of food) is motivating. And there are lots of eating disorder related support group forums here.

All in all I think the overall tone of MFP is that of a place where people can come to heal, not one where an e.d. will be supported and encouraged - for that I'm very grateful.

Anything that can be used, can be abused. MFP is no exception.

^^^ this.

There are alot of people that read the boards, but never post

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the so-called "lurkers". There are lots of them, so I would point out that only a fraction of MFPers are posting with problems. So, no, I don't consider it a breeding ground, in fact alot of people try to steer members with eating disorders to get the proper help. I have seen this over and over, and therefore, It doesn't make me sad, but pleased that people needing help might just listen and get it. Try to think positive.

anyone needing to use a food diary or encouragement from others to eat right has an ED of sort

Shirley, you can't be serious.

I am serious. and don't call me Shirley!

ETA: actually, i don't agree with the quote within the quote up there. i didn't say it originally. i just had to finish the Airplane quote.

:-)

MFP is not a breeding ground for eating disorders. MFP cannot control peoples' behavior. In fact, I would state that this site is the total opposite. In addition to promoting healthy weight management, this site has a rule against unhealthy weight loss methods. Threads that violate the rule are locked or removed. Despite the seriousness of EDs, it still boils down to people taking personal responsibility for their health.

Every day there is a least one post from someone who is struggling with their relationship with food.

I know that mfp 'promotes' healthly eating that posts which promote unhealthy eating are banned but the tools that we all use here food diaries, progress charts, congratulating people on loses etc, could also be used as tools for people with eating disorders and it's really sad.

I would say that the vast majority of these people already have a lot of disordered thinking, ****ty relationships with food and fitness, and often times full on ED. MFP is a tool and is not the root cause of these issues...the root cause of these issues are deep seeded.

Well, I was attracted to MFP and had a disordered relationship with food--chronic overeating and a binge/restrict cycle quickly about to spin out of control. MFP (plus the help of my college's dietician and counseling) was exactly the tool I needed. It does work both ways. MFP is absolutely vital to my health--both mental and physical.

And I know I'm not alone in this--To all of you that are recovering and have reached recovery--YOU ROCK! :drinker:

All genuine eating disorders are mental illnesses. It's not really possible for a website to breed mental illness.. Individuals are genetically predisposed to certain things, certain mental illnesses. One's environment can trigger or encourage the expression of a mental illness/disorder, but that's it.

I think many people are confused when it comes to what an eating disorder is. I think people in first-world anglophone countries are so used to overeating (especially in the States. Our serving sizes are ridiculous, especially considering how many people in the world genuinely don't have enough to eat), that they freak out when they see someone eat a little less than the (admittedly overweight/obese) average. JS.

If anyone on MFP finds themselves getting obsessive, they should talk to a professional or do a bit of independent research. But, that really doesn't mean the person has an eating disorder. The traits of different mental illnesses already exist in the not mentally ill population. It's just that in those with a mental illness, those traits are excessive to the point where they can prevent the individual from living a standard life aka doing the things they need to do to support themselves, accomplish goals, etc.