What do you think when you hear "eating disorder?" Probably 'bored rich white women obsessed with being skinny'. But anorexia & bulimia are way more than just striving to be beautiful - and they can also affect people from any background. Mostly, they're about control. In the throes of the lonely and aggressively over-indulgent holiday season, this topic felt pertinent to explore.

Our anonymous contributors detail wanting to exert control over their bodies as a way of grappling with the lack of it they have over mental illness (diagnosed or not), familial dysfunction, abusive partners, sexual trauma, addiction, and sky-high expectations. They describe the harsh realities of starving and binging, throwing and giving up, lying to people they love, and sacrificing personal relationships. Some are in recovery; others are still struggling. All are very blunt, and very brave. I'm proud of this episode.

WARNING: DO NOT TRY THESE DIET TACTICS. They are not quick fixes or easy ways to avoid proper diet and exercise– our contributors were or are suffering from mental illness. Eating disorders are not glamorous.

TALES OF TABOO MERCH NOW AVAILABLE AT http://aliweissworld.com/merch

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