Are Eating Disorders Really More Common on the Main Line?


When I first read the post “Hunger Chic” by one of our Philly Post bloggers, Kelly Rowell, this morning, I was surprised by my reaction to it. In it, she talks about how it seems as though none of her Main Line friends eat, or if they do eat, she believes they purge or exercise to excess to rid their bodies of calories, or they claim food allergies to avoid eating, and so on. Although eating and exercise disorders such as these are sadly all too common, they aren’t something to take lightly. I’d be very curious to hear from some women on the Main Line if they agree or disagree with this post. Is it true that, as Kelly says, “Food is really out right now”?

I genuinely hope not, but I ask because the over-40 Main Line women I know are strong, healthy, work out, and take care of their bodies—and enjoy food as much as the next Philadelphian. I also feel that pitting one women against another—thin vs. fat, eaters vs. non-eaters, exercisers vs. non-exercisers—only adds to the unhealthy extremes and negative vibes surrounding food and our bodies. And if you do have a friend you believe is struggling with an eating or exercise disorder, it’s important to remember that no matter how frustrating it can be to watch him—yes, men have them, too—or her hurt themselves, it’s also a really tough place for them to be.

So, of course, this is a touchy topic. What do you think? Is Kelly right? Are tons of Main Line women going through this or is it an over-generalization?