Ariana Grande's thinness sparks debate about eating disorder

According to experts interviewed by the report, eating disorders are not identifiable just by appearance or extreme thinness. A person can have a weight considered appropriate for their height and still experience intense suffering related to food and their own body image.

In these cases, instead of demanding changes in eating habits, psychologists recommend avoiding comments about weight and appearance and approaching the person out of concern for their well-being.

"At what point will someone step in to help? She's wasting away," a user posted about the singer's video.

"We want you healthy, and not looking like a stronger wind is going to blow you away," another YouTube user posted.

After the scrutiny on the networks, a representative for the artist told People magazine that she must take a break after the end of her current tour, "Eternal Sunshine", whose last show is scheduled for September 1st, in London.

According to People, in a report this Sunday (2), the decision is motivated by the public's judgment regarding the singer's appearance and her body.

“I think the first thing we need to deconstruct is the idea that eating disorders have a face,” says psychologist Cláudia Melo, a specialist in addictions and disorders.

According to Melo, many of the signs appear in behavior, such as excessive concern about calories and weight, dietary restrictions, elimination of food groups, excessive exercise and withdrawal from social situations that involve food.

Psychologist Mariana Ramos, psychology professor at Afya Itaperuna, says that signs such as social isolation, irritability, constant dissatisfaction with one's body and recurring thoughts about food and appearance can also appear.

"The person may begin to avoid restaurants, parties and even family gatherings for fear of losing control of their diet and feeling intense guilt after eating certain foods. They may also develop strict rituals during meals or eliminate food groups without medical advice", he says.

In isolation, these behaviors do not necessarily mean the existence of a disorder, but "when these signs are persistent, recurrent and intense, to the point of interfering with routine, social relationships and emotional well-being, they become a reason for attention", says Ramos.

For family and friends, the way you approach the person can make a difference. Experts recommend avoiding starting the conversation about appearance or weight.

From Melo's perspective, phrases like "you're too thin" or "you need to eat" can provoke shame and make a person withdraw into themselves.

Instead, she suggests mentioning concrete changes noticed in daily life, such as missing parties or difficulty eating in the presence of other people. The idea is to show concern without turning the conversation into a demand.

"It's important to make it clear to this person that you knew them before this illness and that you understand how they are now. This comparison between before and after can make them feel safer, because they realize that there is someone who cares for them, who really knows them and who is there to listen to them. Perhaps, after this conversation, they will feel more comfortable talking about what is happening", says Melo.

Ramos agrees that it is important to avoid criticism, since this person may already have heightened self-criticism regarding themselves and their image, as well as a feeling of internalized guilt. Instead, she recommends showing concern about the suffering and offering help.

"For example, saying 'I noticed that you seem to be suffering and I wanted to know how I can help you'. A welcoming, available, calm conversation can be the step for that person to accept and seek help", he says.

Treatment usually involves more than one area. Eating disorders generally require multidisciplinary monitoring, which may include a psychologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist and doctors responsible for evaluating and monitoring possible clinical complications. The composition of the team depends on the needs of each patient.

The family, according to experts, may also need guidance to understand the disorder and know how to act when faced with it. The goal is not to monitor what people eat, but to create a supportive environment and reduce judgment.

"In some cases, we include the family in the treatment, as the family environment can also contribute to the person's suffering. Sometimes, we need to remember that it is not about vanity, lack of discipline or a choice. We are talking about a disorder", says Melo.