Eating Disorders
Scriptures from NKJV
THE BIBLE HAS MUCH TO SAY ABOUT FOOD
Genesis 1:29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is
on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yield seed, to you it shall be for
food’
FOOD LINKED TO AN INHERITANCE
Genesis 25:34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils, then he ate and drank, arose,
and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birth right.
FOOD IN THE DESERT
Exodus 16:16 This is the thing that the Lord commanded: ‘Let every man gather it
according to each one’s need, one omer per person, according to the number of
persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent’.
UNDER OR OVER EATING
There is a difference between under eating, over eating and a balanced diet.
Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey, so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.
Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to abase and how to
abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both abound and suffer
need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
EATING DISORDER DEFINITION
Eating disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and
severe distress or concern about body weight or shape.
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but
by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’
THERE IS HOPE
Classified as a medical illness, appropriate treatment can be highly effectual for many of
the specific types of eating disorders.
Psalm 23:4 Yea, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil. For you are with me and; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
EATING DISORDERS LINKED TO STRESS
Eating disorders commonly coexist with other conditions, such as anxiety
disorders, substance abuse, or depression
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,
that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He
may be glorified.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EATING DISORDERS
 Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight.
 Constant weight fluctuations.
 Obsession with calories and fat contents of food.
 Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny.
pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food.
 Depression or lethargy.
 Avoidance of social functions, family and friends.
 Switching between periods of overeating and fasting.
THREE TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS
1. Anorexia Nervosa-The male or female suffering from anorexia nervosa will typically have an obsessive
fear of gaining weight.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2. Bulimia Nervosa-This eating disorder is characterized by repeated binge eating followed by guilt
behaviours that compensate for the overeating, such as forced vomiting.
Hebrews 9:14 ‘how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself
without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve a living God’
3. Binge Eating Disorder- Individuals who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder will frequently lose control over
his or her eating.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self control.
CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERS
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Irregular hormone functions.
Negative body image or a poor self esteem.
Dysfunctional family dynamic.
Professions and careers that promote being thin and weight loss, such as ballet and modelling.
Aesthetically oriented sports, where an emphasis is placed on maintaining a lean body for enhanced
performance.
TREATMENT FOR EATING DISORDERS
 Recognition that you need help
 Counselling
 Medical Care
 Monitoring
 Nutritional guidance
 Family or group therapy
FROM NOTHING TO ABUNDANCE
1 Kings 17:14 For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used
up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’
OBEDIENCE CARRIES A PROMISE OF BLESSING
Isaiah 1:19 If you willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land
BREAD MULTIPLICATION
Matthew 15:36 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave
thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples
gave to the multitude.
DEMI LOVATO
Singer / Songwriter Demi Lovato looked in the mirror at 4 years of age and said I need to
be skinnier, she compared herself to posters of celebrities on her wall, she started
cutting her wrists at the age of 11 and then went into rehab. She finally spoke up and
got help. She is now at a point in her life where she calls someone when she feel she is
sinking and this breaks the power the deception has over her. She is still surprised when
girls come up the her and said you saved my life by coming out in the open.. .
Psalm 139:13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers
womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvellous are
Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
REACHING OUT TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY
There will be a once a week watsup message that will go out on the
overcoming stress message. You can use this message to invite your friends
and family.
NUTRITION LEADING TO SALVATION
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me,
and to finish His work”
THE ULTIMATE PRIORITY
1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you
do, do all to the glory of God
IF YOU NEED SPESIFIC PRAYER TIME YOU CAN STAY AFTER THE SERVICE
COUNSELLING (we are linked to a network of specialists)
To book a counselling appointment you can [email protected]
or call Pastor Willem on 076 423 6570 or Pastor Natalie on 076 648 8036
SALVATION PRAYER (Romans 10:9,10)
Father I come to You in the name of Jesus, I turn from sin to Christ. I confess Jesus as my Lord and believe that He
died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. Amen