The event ‘Life beyond the Mirror’ took place on Friday 17 May in Cerignola, at the suggestive Villa Bautier.
The evening offered a fairy-tale and particularly ‘girly’ atmosphere, in line with the theme of eating disorders which predominantly affect women, who represent 90% of cases, compared to 10% in men. The event began with little Vittoria reading an extract from the book ‘Sei Bellissima’ by Janna Carioli and Vittoria Facchini.
The psychologist and co-organizer of the event, Celestepia Diterlizzi, underlined how DCA are only the tip of a multifactorial iceberg, with family and society playing a decisive role. The doctor, affectionately called ‘Cele’ by her patients, explained that the relationship between mother and daughter can generate discomfort and feelings of guilt in the parent, worsening the problem and delaying the request for help.
He underlined how these disorders are not limited to age groups or certain categories of people and reported his example. “During the Covid years, the fear of potentially leading to the death of one of my loved ones was reflected in my relationship with food. In those years I lost a lot of kilos” he said.
Nutritionist biologist Giampaolo Cianci highlighted how the general practitioner alone may be insufficient to deal with complex cases and recalled that body weight is not only represented by fat, but also by water, bones and muscles.
To underline how necessary it is for health to take care of muscle mass is the kinesiologist Veronica Erinnio who recalls how physical activity can be an excellent physical and mental relief valve if practiced in the right measure. It is encouraging to know, however, that in 60-70% of cases DCA can be cured through a multidisciplinary approach.
Accompanying the authoritative voices are moving autobiographical testimonies, including that of Maria Antonietta Debenedictis, who told how external comments have made it difficult since she was a child to have a relationship not only with the mirror but also with the gaze of others.
Another testimony came from the co-organizer and body specialist Pia Reddavide: “I let my mind cloud my vision of my body and ended up weighing 38kg.” he confessed with a broken voice and a few tears before announcing the intention of the group of experts to found an association that offers daily support on the topic.
And also the special guest, Sara Ciafardoni, who in her latest book ‘I’m still here’ addresses the issue of DCA through the imaginary protagonist Milena, who, following the death of her mother, seeks control with food. From the young writer the invitation to those present to nourish themselves and to ‘feed’ people with love.
On the sidelines of the event, the choreography of the Scarpette Rosa dance school to the tune of “I would like… I wouldn’t want… But if you want”, created by the teacher Mariarosa Carretta, whose dance troupe is about to perform in the United States after a tour in China. The evening ended with a sumptuous buffet, which underlined the importance of conviviality in social relations, fundamental to the success of this ambitious project.
