Diet & Weight Loss

Fasting versus Anorexia & Orthorexia

These are my thoughts, not scientific advice. An exploration of what it means to navigate losing weight through fasting in the context of Anorexia and Orthorexia.

I was listening to my cousin, Vidura, a stand-up comedian, talking about his battle with anorexia in the 90s, and it brought to mind the unsupportive effects of culture and society on people who are overweight or obese.

“… I was on the stop eating diet…”

In my article “On the Edge of Obesity,” I reminisce how, at age 17, 165 lbs, 26-28" waist, I was asked by my family doctor, “Do you want to be obese?”

Messages from the outside world:

• Don’t do ____; it will make you fat.
• Here’s a forward, a pictogram, a cream, a magic pill. Eat garcinia cambogia, turmeric, and black pepper daily!
• Skip a meal now; gorge later.
• Androgynous models make clothing look like it’s still on the hanger.
• You are different — now add 20+ inches to the waist.

Over time, I came to control WHAT I ate. Like with drugs, I skirted anything that felt obsessive or addictive. The moment a diet felt dogmatic, I had to stop.