Did Kaitlin Olson have an eating disorder? (5 types of eating disorders)

In this blog post, we shall answer the question “did Kaitlin Olson have an eating disorder?” and look at who Kaitlin Olson is, the different eating disorders and their symptoms. We shall also look at the warning signs of eating disorders and the treatment methods for eating disorders.

Did Kaitlin Olson have an eating disorder?

It is uncertain that Kaitlin Olson had an eating disorder. Although rumours have been spreading that she had anorexia nervosa, Kaitlin never addressed the claims and confirm whether or not they are true. 

Although many celebrities are at a high risk of developing eating disorders, they also suffer objectification and a lot of scrutiny from the public eye regarding their health. Just like Kaitlin Olson, people are quick to judge and label them with eating disorders just because their bodies look different. 

Many have come out to address the allegations, while others decide not to give the public attention. Experiences about eating disorders can be harrowing and some may choose not to talk about them if they do not feel ready. Before we look at different eating disorders and their symptoms, let us look at who Kate Olson.

Who is Kaitlin Olson?

Kaitlin Willow Olson is a 47-year-old American actress and producer. She began her career in The Sunday Company at the Groundlings, which is an improvisational theatre and school in Los Angeles, California. She has been featured in many films, movies and sitcoms since 1995. 

She has been a series regular in the Fox improv/ hidden camera series meet the marks. She stars as ‘sweet Dee’ on the FX breakout sitcom, it’s always sunny in Philadelphia (2005). Her body physique in this sitcom sparked the rumours that she was suffering from anorexia nervosa.

She has always been labelled as ‘skinny’ and an ‘addict’ but this has never stopped her from pursuing her career by ignoring the rumours. She is a passionate and courageous woman who once said in an interview, “I am fueled by the criticism I get.”

People’s reaction to Kaitlin Olson’s body

Many people took to social media to criticize and talk about Kaitlin’s physical appearance. One of them said that Kaitlin looked like people on anti-meth commercials and that she takes away from the show when everyone else is looking healthy. There is a multitude of mean comments on the internet about her physical appearance but Kaitlin is unfazed by them.

Many people, especially celebrities, are scrutinized and criticized for their bodies and this builds pressure to look perfect. People in the art and creative industry are among vulnerable groups at a high risk of developing eating disorders. While some are caused by them having body issues and the compulsive need to look perfect, others turn to disordered eating as a way of coping with online bullies.

The stigma surrounding eating disorders makes it difficult for people to open up about their struggles with eating disorders. Those who open up are still faced with criticism from people who think that they can just snap out of their disorders by just eating. With this said, let us educate ourselves about eating disorders.

Types of eating disorders

According to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders fifth edition (DSM-5), there are six types of eating disorders. Obesity is no longer included as an eating disorder since it results from long-term excess energy intake relative to energy expenditure. 

A range of genetics, physiological, behavioural, and environmental factors that vary across individuals contribute to the development of obesity; thus, obesity is not a mental disorder. (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders fifth edition 2013).

The six eating disorders are;

• Pica
• Rumination disorder
• Avoidant/ restrictive food intake disorder
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating

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 tends to occur 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. Kaitlin Olson was romoured to have anorexia nervosa due to her lean figure.

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 excessive exercise. 

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.

Causes and risk factors of eating disorders

The risk factors of eating disorders are:

• Genetic factors. If an immediate member of a family has an eating disorder, chances are that others are predisposed to suffering from the same or another type of eating disorder.
• Psychological factors. Factors such as demanding personality types that seek perfection can trigger eating disorders later in life. Factors such as low self-esteem, depression, and self-respect can also cause eating disorders.
• Social factors. Social factors such as poor relationships, bullying, societal demands and views on body image, size, weight and shape are often attributed as one of the major causes of eating disorders.

Prevalence of eating disorders

• Approximately 30 million Americans live with an eating disorder. (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
• Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescent females in the United States. (International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2007)
• 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. (National Eating Disorders Association)
• The lifetime prevalence of eating disorders is highest among those with a binge eating disorder (5.5% compared to 2% for bulimia and 1.2% for anorexia). (Biological Psychiatry, 2007)
• Global eating disorder prevalence increased from 3.4% to 7.8% between 2000 and 2018. (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2019)
• 70 million people internationally live with eating disorders. (National Eating Disorders Association)
• The median age of eating disorder onset was 21 years old for binge eating disorder and 18 years old for anorexia and bulimia nervosa. (Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2010)
• Of adolescents with eating disorders, the 17- to 18-year-old age group had the highest prevalence (3%). (Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2010)
• Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescent females in the United States. (International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2007)
• 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. (National Eating Disorders Association)
• The lifetime prevalence of eating disorders is highest among those with a binge eating disorder (5.5% compared to 2% for bulimia and 1.2% for anorexia). (Biological Psychiatry, 2007)

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have looked at who Kaitlin Olson is and whether she has an eating disorder. We have also looked at the types of eating disorders, causes and the prevalence of eating disorders. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comment section below.

Frequently asked questions: Did Kaitlin Olson have an eating disorder?

How many supermodels have eating disorders?

Research shows that ‌40% of models are currently affected by eating disorders. Many of these cases go unreported as they tend to hide it.

Why are models so skinny?

Designers love showing off their new design by using women with tall and skinny frame. This, to them, makes the outfits look beautiful and want them to flow naturally.

What are size 0 models?

Size 0 models are those with a very low BMI. you can know your BMI by by taking your weight in pounds (1kg= 2.2 pounds) and divide it with your height in feet.

Citations

Stanely A. (August 4, 2005). Looking for the Humor in Americans’ Struggle to Become Smaller. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/arts/television/looking-for-the-humor-in-americans-struggle-to-become.html

Gerhart A. (August 4, 2005). FX’s ‘Starved’ Is a Bit Too Much To Stomach. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2005/08/04/fxs-starved-is-a-bit-too-much-to-stomach/c8bb2e56-427b-4a55-9f17-298d6ebdce13/

Psychreel (March 24,2022). Does Kaitlin Olson have an Eating Disorder? Retrieved from https://psychreel.com/does-kaitlin-olson-have-an-eating-disorder/