intergenerational trauma and nutrition and food

“Little is known about eating disorder symptoms in Native American populations for several reasons. The team was led by Professor Ruth Striegel-Moore from Weslyan University who shared this: In 2011, the first study on the impact of eating disorders in American Indians/Native Americans was conducted. Starvation leads individuals to binge when food is available. Individuals who experience food insecurity are at a much greater risk for binge eating disorder.

Food insecurity is another contributor for this population. How does this relate to eating disorders? The historical trauma carried from one generation to the next places Indigenous People at a higher risk for eating disorders (as well as substance abuse). In the United States, the average income of Native Americans is less than half the average for the U.S. While Indigenous People make up just 5 percent of the global population, they account for about 15 percent of the extreme poor, their life expectancy is up to 20 years lower than the life expectancy of non-Indigenous people worldwide and according to The World Bank. The discomfort we experience facing our ancestors’ role in eradicating an entire culture, a culture rich in knowledge we desperately need right now as we face environmental challenges, is minute in contrast to the trauma these people have endured.

Facing the horrific reality of harm caused to this culture… to this population of people… the permanence of it and the generational trauma that has ensued… in intimate detail is absolutely gut wrenching. To say this seminar was eye opening is a vast understatement. Last Friday, we had the great honor of hosting Social Justice Eating Disorder Educator, Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride for a lecture on the connection between historical trauma and eating disorders in Indigenous Peoples’ cultures (Gloria emphasized the important distinction that from one tribe to the next, traditions and heritage varies).

Intergenerational trauma and nutrition and food