To The Bone: A Portrayal Of Anorexia Nervosa

Analysis of To The Bone: A Portrayal of Anorexia Nervosa Disorder

Megan M. Morgan

West Virginia University - Institute of Technology Analysis of To the Bone: A Portrayal of Anorexia Nervosa Disorder To the Bone is a 2017 movie on Netflix meant to raise awareness and portray what it is really like to struggle with an eating disorder. Although multiple people with eating disorders of different kinds are displayed, I will be focusing on the main character, Ellen, who struggles with Anorexia Nervosa Disorder. The first screen to pop up when you go to watch To the Bone states, “The film was created by and with individuals who have struggled with eating disorders, and it includes realistic depictions that may be challenging for some viewers.” I will be looking at the DSM-5 criteria for Anorexia Nervosa Disorder and comparing it to the symptoms Ellen displays throughout the movie.

Evidence of Anorexia Nervosa Disorder According to the DSM-5, to be diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa Disorder, you must meet the 3 following criteria: (1) refusal to maintain bodyweight at or above minimal normal weight for height, age, and sex (less than 85th percentile), (2) have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming obese, and (3) disturbed by weight or shape, or persistent lack of acknowledging low bodyweight.

Refusal to maintain bodyweight at or above

At around 5:56, Ellen’s stepmother makes Ellen weigh herself so she can see how underweight she is. Ellen seems distressed in the situation and refuses to believe she is thin or underweight. When her stepmother seen Ellen’s ribs sticking out, Ellen pleaded that she wasn’t usually that thin and that she was recently sick and that must be why. Even after seeing the number on the scale (which was not shown), Ellen continued to work hard to lose weight by eating very little or not at all and exercising every chance she got. This criterion is