Sexual Abuse & Eating Disorders Why Precious has an Eating Disorder

It is common for an individual who struggles with an eating disorder to have experienced sexual abuse. Sometimes we think if we cover our body up with layers of fat, that no one will notice us and we won't have to deal with the feelings that are triggered. The film Precious illustrates this phenomenon perfectly. I suggest you see it.
Ilissa

There are many reasons to see the movie Precious. Rarely does a movie devastate and uplift you at the exact same moment. It will leave you reeling emotionally. In a nutshell, it is a movie set in 1987 Harlem about an overweight, illiterate, African American teenager who is a victim of incest. Among many things, it is a story of perseverance and survival. It also gives us a raw look at the connection between abuse and eating problems.

Precious' excessive weight and eating plays a central role in the movie. Aspects of the story help illuminate many of the reasons emotional, physical, and particularly sexual abuse, are risk factors for eating disorders.* Abuse isn't a "cause." Instead, it puts someone at a higher likelihood of having eating issues (there are many biological and social factors that play a part as well). This includes anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder as well as emotional eating, obesity and body image dissatisfaction. Thus, it is no surprise that Precious, who was sexually abused by her father, struggles with her weight, body and eating.

Sexual abuse violates a person's body and personal boundaries. Read More>>>