The Growing Trend of Pregorexia
Find out about a new disturbing eating disorder that can affect both the health of mom and the unborn baby
A disturbing new trend is being seen among young mothers-to-be. Inspired by the
super thin celebrities seen on runways and magazine covers, women are becoming dangerously
obsessed with their weight at a time when weight gain is most important. This growing
obsession with staying thin during pregnancy has spawned the term “pregorexia” due
to its similarity to the eating disorder, anorexia.
During pregnancy, it’s normal for women of average weight to gain between twenty-five
and thirty-five pounds. Women with pregorexia are bucking the trend and gaining
only a few pounds or even losing weight while pregnant. To achieve so little weight
loss, they’re resorting to unsafe weight control methods such as calorie restriction,
excessive exercise, and even purging. Anything to keep off the excess pounds.
The effect that pregorexia weight control practices can have on the growing fetus
is alarming. Babies born to pregorexic mothers are more likely to be of low birth
weight and more likely to experience birth defects and sub-standard intelligence.
Women who don’t gain a certain amount of weight during pregnancy are also more susceptible
to miscarriage or premature birth. This doesn’t even take into account the harm
a mother suffering from pregorexia may be inflicting on her own body.
What causes the dangerous phenomenon of pregorexia to affect seemingly normal, mothers-to-be?
While undoubtedly influenced by society’s pressures to stay slim, women afflicted
with this disorder have a strong desire for control over their lives and their bodies.
They tend to be perfectionists who set unrealistically high standards for themselves,
ones that they can’t always safely meet. Unfortunately, both mom and baby can suffer
from the desire to avoid pregnancy related weight gain. Women suffering from pregorexia
may experience significant shame and guilt relating to the effects their actions
are having on the unborn baby.
Some blame the phenomenon of pregorexia on a fashion industry that promotes revealing,
tight fitting maternity wear that shows every lump and bump. Gone is the conservative
maternity clothing of the past, replaced with pregnancy clothing that’s designed
for a svelte mom-to-be; and women are doing what they must to look good in it. Even
if it means starving for two. Some believe that pregnant celebrities like Nichole
Ritchie and Nicole Kidman who appeared slender throughout their pregnancies has
contributed to the desire to be thin during pregnancy.
What’s the solution to the growing problem of pregorexia? Most women dealing with
pregorexia need professional help through psychological counseling as well as nutritional
support to protect the health of the baby. There are eating disorder treatment centers
located nationwide that deal with these types eating disorders, including pregorexia.
A gynecologist can refer patients with pregorexia to local resources for treatment.
The most important thing is to get help. Pregorexia can have serious consequences
for both baby and mom and should be treated professionally.
Written by: Dr. Kristie
Posted: July 31, 2009