Christian Counseling Connection
7
CLINICAL
Matthew S. Stanford, Ph.D.
E
ating is a biologically driven behavior that involves a number of brain
areas and systems. Although scientists understand a great deal about
how our brains tell us we are hungry or when to stop eating, they
actually know very little about the biological basis of eating disorders.
While a number of brain areas and neurochemicals have been found to be
abnormal in people with eating disorders (particularly anorexia nervosa), most
of these return to normal once a healthy weight and diet have been obtained
through treatment. This suggests these differences were most likely the result
of malnourishment related to the disorder rather than an underlying cause of
the problem. In addition, the etiology of eating disorders is not as simple as
a single brain area or a given neurotransmitter system, but reflect a complex
interaction between biology predispositions and environmental factors.
One system, however, that does appear to be involved in eating disorders
is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). The HPA is part of the en-
docrine system and is made up of the hypothalamus (a structure on the lower
aspect of the brain), pituitary gland (a small pea shaped gland below the hypo-
thalamus in the middle of the head) and the adrenal glands (which are located
on top of the kidneys). The HPA is involved in the control of our reaction to
stress and the regulation of appetite, weight, digestion, mood and immune sys-
tem responses. It has been suggested that a dysfunction in the HPA, most likely
brought about by a combination of early life experiences (e.g., sexual abuse)
and genetic factors, leaves the adolescent female vulnerable to chronic stress.
This vulnerability is further exacerbated by the hormonal changes that occur at
puberty (this event takes place just prior to the most common age of onset for
eating disorders). It is suggested that exposure to a significant stressor during
this period results in a dysregulated HPA response, leading to a chronic reduc-
tion in appetite and weight.
From a spiritual perspective, an eating disorder is rightly recognized as a
disorder rooted in deception. Women (and to a lesser frequency, men) with
eating disorders believe they are overweight, unattractive, inadequate, unac-
cepted and unloved. They believe the lie that only women (and men) of a
specific body type are beautiful and accepted. While all mental illness has
physical, mental and spiritual aspects, I believe that with eating disorders, we
can more clearly see the spiritual effects than in any other disorder. This is
not to say that biological and psychological factors do not play a role in the
development of eating disorders, but they do have a deceptive quality to them
that is different from all the others. It is somewhat ironic that the original sin
described in Genesis involved the deception of a woman about food, which
brought about shame related to her body (3:1-7). Of course, I am not trying
to imply Eve had an eating disorder or having one is sinful, but believing a lie
can be destructive. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). The lie he promotes
in those who struggle with an eating disorder is that their bodies are not good
enough. The Apostle Paul tells us our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit
who lives within us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We have been purchased with
a price and set free by the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John
14:6), and it is only that Truth that can bring about full healing in those who
have believed the lie.
It is in the various eating disorders where we clearly see how a spiritual
deception (e.g., your worth is based on your physical appearance) can take ad-
vantage of a physical vulnerability (HPA dysregulation) and result in the symp-
toms of a mental illness (e.g., negative self-image, purging, self-starvation).
Eating disorders are not ultimately or solely about food, but instead regard
how a person views himself/herself. The Bible has a great deal to say about
who we are as children of God. The Scriptures teach that we have been fearful-
ly and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) in the very image and likeness of God
(Genesis 1:26). He formed us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), planned
out our days (Psalm 139:16) and brought us into this world (Psalm 22:9). By
faith, we have received spiritual birth (John 3:3-6). His Spirit has taken up
residence in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are without fault in His
eyes (Ephesians 1:4). Indeed, we are the very children of the living God (1
John 3:1). These are the truths we must continually pray and speak over those
who are struggling with an eating disorder. The lie at the core of this disorder
must be replaced by the foundational truth of who we are in Christ. It is only
then that true healing can begin.
Matthew S. Stanford, Ph.D.,
is professor of psychology, neu-
roscience and biomedical studies at Baylor University. He also
serves as the executive director of The Grace Alliance (
-
talhealthgracealliance.org), a faith-based, non-profit organization
that offers services and support to individuals living with mental
illness and their families.
A Holistic View of Eating Disorders
from the Society for Christian Psychology
Christian Psych Notes
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