Addressing the Slender Elephant in the Room - Vanity Over Brain Health

"At work, it's lunchtime. The canteen has a routine and so do I. It represents another obstacle course to navigate. Must eat? Should eat? Could eat? A fellow diner appears to be meticulously sorting out the sequence on her plate. Our eyes meet and I wonder if she has the same tipping point from enjoyment to cut-off as I do. Maybe not; her spark has gone. I play safe; I know the rules." 

(BUCK! Erica's story)

Many women in midlife find themselves facing a foe they thought they'd conquered years ago: the allure of extreme thinness. Erica, a brilliant character from the book BUCK! epitomises this struggle. She values her sharp mind above all else, yet succumbs to the pressure to maintain a youthful figure, resorting to calorie restriction that threatens both her physical and mental well-being.

Erica isn't alone. For her generation, the societal pressure to be slender merges with the fear of ageing, triggering a return to disordered eating habits. But what Erica might not know is that this gamble with vanity may come at a steep cost to her brain health.

Here's why:

Nutrient Deficiencies: Severe calorie restriction deprives the brain of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for memory, focus, and cognitive function as highlighted by Lisa Mosconi's book 'Brain Food.' 

Reduced Blood Flow: Starving the body restricts blood flow, impacting the brain's ability to receive oxygen and glucose, its primary fuel source. This can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and even depression.

Disrupted Neurotransmitters: Eating disorders can disrupt the production of neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers, impacting mood, sleep, and overall cognitive function.

Erica eats the right kind of food, just not enough of it. The rules are different now. The consequences of extreme calorie restriction with ageing and the hormonal shift could be grave. The brain is a demanding organ, requiring a steady stream of nutrients to function optimally. When it's starved, cognitive decline accelerates, putting mental sharpness at risk. “And the greatest brain changes occur in the timeframe where (menopause) symptoms are most intense.” According to Lisa Mosconi for The Guardian.

Erica’s brain fog and mood swings could be just symptoms of the menopause but what if they point to a more disturbing trajectory? Her biggest fear would be cognitive decline, so the next step for her would be to first confront her eating disorder before she can make any adjustments to balance her plate.

With that in mind, let’s look at BUCK’s holistic approach to brain health:

Balance: Focus on a balanced diet rich in brain-boosting foods like oily fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and berries.

Understanding: Educate yourself on the vital connection between nutrition and brain health. Nourish your body to nourish your mind.

Community: Seek support from a healthcare professional or therapist specialising in eating disorders.

Kindness: Practise self-compassion. Your worth isn't defined by your dress size.

A healthy brain is an attractive brain. By prioritising her well-being, Erica can not only reclaim her mental edge, but also embrace a more fulfilling and confident version of herself.

Help when you need it: If you're struggling with an eating disorder, you're not alone. The BEAT Eating Disorders charity provides support and guidance.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.