Did Kaci from temptation island have an eating disorder?

In this blog post, we shall answer the question, “did Kaci from temptation island have an eating disorder?” and look at the eating disorder types. We will also look at who Kaci is and what temptation the temptation island was about. We shall also look at what eating disorders are and the types as indicated in the DSM.

Did Kaci from temptation Island have an eating disorder?

It is uncertain that Kaci was suffering from an eating disorder. She, however, later admitted to losing weight and not eating when she was on the show. She attributed this to her anxiety that gets out of control.

Many people felt that Kaci was suffering from anorexia nervosa. This was due to her slim figure and protruding bones. It is very common for people to conclude that a person has anorexia from their physical appearance and body shape. Even if being thin is one of the symptoms, it is not mandatory for one to be thin for them to be diagnosed with anorexia.

It is also untrue that all slim people have eating disorders. Many people have been misjudged by the media for being anorexic or bulimic while they are perfectly fine and eating healthily. Since Kaci did not confirm that she has anorexia, we will look at who she was and have a general discussion on eating disorders and their types.

Who is Kaci?

She is an American reality TV star who became famous after her participation in the fourth season of temptation island, in which a couple lived on an island in Hawaii with single people in order to test the strength of their relationship. 

Kaci and her then-boyfriend, Ethan, had been dating for five years before entering the show. Ethan, however, broke up with her in the last episode of the season for another girl on the island. He proposed to the girl after six months but also broke up with her.

After the show, Kaci returned to LA and became a vlogger where she talks about her time in the show, what she learnt, and unboxing beauty products. She also offers exclusive modelling content through an only fans subscription website where she is referred to as “your American favourite sweetheart.”

Kaci and eating disorders

Fans and followers went online to speculate about her having an eating disorder due to her thin frame and body shape. She, however, addressed the claims and said, “I am going to address this one time. I am VERY aware that I am too skinny right now. Trust me…when I see myself on the show it horrifies me. Seeing my old cheer pics and how muscular and fit I was…. it horrifies me.”

She continues, “I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). When my anxiety is out of control, I completely lose my appetite and drop weight drastically. Being naturally skinny is a major problem in my life. There are many MANY people who suffer from this but don’t like to speak about it publicly… there is still a stigma regarding mental health awareness even though it’s 2019. The body-shaming, bullying & people thinking I’m weak for “displaying my issues on national television” doesn’t get to me because I am well aware of what I signed up for and knew this would happen. I’m a strong chick & God put me in this position for a reason. Just remember you don’t know everyone’s story and you should always try to lead your life with kindness. Put yourself in other people’s shoes. It makes life a lot easier. And accusing someone of having an eating disorder is an extremely serious accusation.”

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are mental illnesses characterized by abnormal eating habits, and complex and damaging relationships between food, exercise and body image that impairs physical and mental health.

Types of eating disorders

Pica 

Pica is a feeding and eating disorder characterized by eating non-nutritive non-food substances such as ice, clay, soil, paper and stones. Can be caused by nutrition deficiencies, pregnancy, stress and cultural factors.

Rumination 

Rumination is an eating disorder characterized by spitting up digested or partially digested food from the stomach, re-chewing the food and either re-swallowing or spitting it out. It occurs within 30 minutes of every meal. The causes of rumination remain unknown.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Formally referred to as selective eating disorder, is an eating disorder characterized by intense restriction or selection of food consumed. Unlike anorexia nervosa, people with this eating disorder are not interested in their body image, shape or size.

Anorexia nervosa

Is a severe eating disorder characterized by abnormal body weight, distorted body image, and unwarranted fear of gaining weight. In order to prevent weight gain, anorexic people try to control their body weight by vomiting food, using laxatives, diet aids, and excessive exercise.

Common symptoms include extreme low body weight, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, dry skin, hair that easily falls off, preoccupation with food, skipping meals, refusing to eat, denying hunger, complaints of being overweight, measuring weight often and lying about the quantity of food taken.

Causes include; biological factors such as genes, psychological factors such as temperaments and environmental factors such as societal demands.

Preverance

Usually begins during the teenage and early adulthood years. It is more common in women than in men.

Anorexia is the most deadly mental illness. One study found that people with anorexia are 56 times more likely to commit suicide than people without an eating disorder. (Eating Disorders Coalition, 2016).

Bulimia nervosa

Is a mental disorder characterized by binge eating (consuming large quantities of food over a short period of time) followed by calorie-reducing strategies such as purging (induced vomiting), fasting or exercising excessively. 

Bulimia is a severe, life-threatening eating disorder. Symptoms include; binge eating, vomiting, self-harm, fatigue, dehydration, avoiding food, irregular and absence of menstruation, constipation, heartburn and guilt.

Causes include genetic factors, psychological factors such as personality, dieting and societal pressure.

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating is an eating disorder characterized by consuming large amounts of food over a short period of time, and feelings of being unable to stop eating even when full. It is the most common eating disorder with a prevalence of  5.5%.

Symptoms include; eating large amounts of food over a short period of time, eating even when not hungry, feeling that your eating behaviour is out of control, eating until you are uncomfortably full, eating in secret, eating alone and feelings of depression and guilt.

Unlike people with bulimia, binge eaters are not concerned with weight reduction through vomiting, using laxatives or excessive exercise and can thus suffer from other physical conditions such as obesity.

It is more common in women than in men and usually begins during early adulthood. Causes include dieting and psychological issues such as depression and low self-esteem.

What is the relationship between General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and eating disorders

When addressing the claims of having an eating disorder, Kaci said, “I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder). When my anxiety is out of control, I completely lose my appetite and drop weight drastically. “ anxious and feeling low are common once in a while. However, restlessness and anxiousness can go out of hand and cause unmanageability and disruptions in one’s life. 

This can affect one’s personal life, relationships and even work/school. Just like Kaci, people with GAD are filled with severe anxiety and unease that can trigger the onset of an eating disorder. Most people with anxiety feel like they have no control over their own lives and, therefore, turn to extreme dieting and exercising as a way of regaining control of something in their life.

Some use laxatives and other purging methods or deny themselves food as a way of numbing and regulating emotional stress. As these people are getting treated for eating disorders, they also need to be treated for underlying anxiety issues.

Treatment of eating disorders

Medication

Some antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors help in reducing episodes of binging and vomiting. They are also effective in treating depression and anxiety which are common co-occurring disorders among people with eating disorders.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of therapy which helps a person with eating disorders change their negative thinking patterns about their self-image to more positive ones. Therapy also helps them deal with the underlying causes and triggers of their eating disorders. Finally, therapists can help them develop positive coping mechanisms for their life stressors.

Support groups

These will not only help you feel like you are not alone in the journey of recovering from eating disorders but will also give you a platform for the free association where you can openly discuss the struggles of the illness without being ashamed or feeling guilty. Support groups also help in encouraging each other and keep one accountable.

Nutritive counselling

This involves having sessions with a registered dietitian or counsellor on healthy eating habits to help you get back on track and avoid relapses.

Healthy coping skills for eating disorders

• Talk with friends and family. Do not isolate yourself!
• Become involved in activities you enjoy doing. They will boost your self-esteem
• Make a list of positive affirmations, choose one and use it for the next 21 days. The affirmation will be a part of you
• Get an emotional support animal
• Practice mindfulness i.e. yoga
• Make a gratitude list
• Journal your feelings throughout the day
• Choose a hobby or pick new skills
• Grow your support system

Conclusion

We have looked at who Kaci is and whether she was suffering from an eating disorder. We have also looked at her statement regarding the matter. Finally, we have educated you about what eating disorders are, their types, causes and treatment options available.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comment section below.

Frequently asked questions: Did Kaci from temptation island have an eating disorder?

What are five signs that someone may have an eating disorder?

some common warning signs to watch out for include:

● Alterations in Weight

● Preoccupation With Body Image

● Disruptions in Eating Patterns

● Preoccupation With Nutritional Content

● Changes in Exercise Patterns

● Mood Fluctuations

What are 3 warning signs of bulimia?

● Episodes of binge eating.

● Self-induced vomiting.

● Smelling like vomit.

What are the three forms of treatment for anorexia?

Treatment for anorexia nervosa includes;

● Cognitive behavioural therapy

● Dialectical behavioural therapy

● Acceptance and commitment to therapy

Citations

American Psychiatric Association, (2013). Eating disorders in Diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders (5th edition). American Psychiatric Association.

Single care team. (February, 15, 2022). Eating disorder statistics 2022. The check up by single care. Retrieved from https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/eating-disorder-statistics/

Weir. K. (April, 2016). New insight on eating disorders. American Psychological

Association (vol 47 no.4 page 36). Retrieved from

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/04/eating-disorders