Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

This presentation is designed with the intentions of sharing personal experiences with overcoming Anorexia Nervosa in hopes of allowing people to become more aware of what goes on in the mind and life of someone struggling with an eating disorder. In this discussion, I explore what the recovery process looked like in my life as an elite level athlete by addressing the topics of spiritual intervention, relapse prevention, support circles, and the perception of body image and self-esteem in life after treatment. I am convinced that one of the biggest struggles people deal with is identity, especially with knowing where or who to place their identity in. Through my own journey, I know I have had three distinct “identity” stages. I elaborate on the parallel between my identity “as the gymnast” to recovery of my physical body by reaching a healthy weight, a parallel between the identity of “my eating disorder” to recovery of my mind, psychological thoughts, and wellbeing, and finally, a parallel between my identity as “the unique individual” with the recovery of my soul by developing a solid concept of who I was created to be in the image of God. My recovery has transformed my life in such a dynamic way that it is my passion to share and openly discuss with struggling individuals, family members, and professionals what recovery can look like. I was able to return to the sport of rhythmic gymnastics three years after treatment and become a member of the 2009 United States Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships Group Team. Three years after this comeback, I set a new goal in another sport, and I am now training in an elite level program in the sport of rowing.

Biography

Email: Kristinkaye12@gmail.com