The world constantly revolves around the way we look. It is difficult to avoid the constant comparisons that people make with themselves and others.  Sara Nutley ’14 found herself in this situation not too long ago leading to her unhealthy obsession to be thin, spiraling into two eating disorders and eventually a recovery.

“In most aspects of my life, I am a huge perfectionist,” Nutley said. “When I started to become interested in nutrition and fitness, this was no exception for me. I wanted to have the perfect workout routine and the perfect diet.”

Nutley suffered from both anorexia and orthorexia for three years. Anorexia is an emotional disorder that is characterized by the desire to lose weight. Orthorexia is a disorder that is characterized by the obsession to be healthy by sticking to strict diets and exercise routines.

“As my body began to change, I became addicted to getting results from all my hard work,” Nutley said. “People praised my progress and my self-discipline, some even referring to me as ‘body goals’. It didn’t take long for my habits to quickly spiral into more obsessive, destructive behaviors.”

Like most, her recovery was not simple. It took multiple doctors, psychologists and a registered dietician and even then it took a great physical and emotional toll on both Nutley and her family.

“It was difficult to watch,” brother Matt Nutley said. “It was not my place nor was I in the right place to push her beyond what she was ready for.  So as much as I wanted to help, I couldn’t; all I could do was offer my full support. I felt useless and defeated knowing that she has pushed herself to such unhealthy levels and there was very little I could do. All I wanted to do was help.”

In the process of her recovery Nutley gained 30 pounds and started her own blog (https://www.theodysseyonline.com/what-its-like-to-live-with-an-eating-disorder) to share her story.

“Sara has made amazing strides in her recovery, and I’m as proud of her as she is of herself,” Matt said. “Her self-confidence is coming back as well as her healthy, and vibrant physical appearance and personality.”

Although she has recovered, today she still struggles with insecurities from time to time, she said.

“I smile more often and I see the world as a much better place when I’m not spending my day comparing myself to everyone else and being terrified of imperfection,” she said.