A guide to eating disorders to raise awareness, early detection and support for the social environment of those affected.

Guide to Creative Writing: Anorexia Nervosa

Normal weight and eating disorders are rarely linked because our society assumes that people with eating disorders are severely underweight. However, this is actually true for only about 6% of cases. The majority of those affected are of normal weight. Nevertheless, stereotypes and strict weight criteria in medicine significantly influence the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. This can have considerable consequences for the course of the illness, as those who do not fit this stereotype often receive no help or only belated assistance.

This book clarifies that eating disorders are mental illnesses and not a matter of weight. "Normal Weight" combines scientific information with personal experiences and interactive elements to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. These insights include statements from the author, other affected individuals, and therapists, gathered through personal contact or social media platforms. It also offers support for the social environment of those affected in dealing with the illness. The book is suitable both for supporting existing cases and for the early detection of eating disorders. The earlier an eating disorder is recognized, the greater the chance of a full recovery.

Normal Weight is not just another publication that exclusively conveys expert knowledge. Rather, it presents the perspective of those affected, thus enabling deeper insights into the illness and how to cope with it. This issue focuses on the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, also commonly known as anorexia.

A book by Johanna Elsen

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Recognize, understand, help – 3 aspects combined in one book.

  • Raising awareness

    Drawings, diary entries, as well as audio and video elements expand the book to a multimedia level and provide a comprehensive insight into the emotional and mental world of those affected.

  • Early detection

    Scientifically sound information and a list of typical signs of eating disorders create a basic understanding and lay the foundation for recognizing the disease early.

  • Assistance

    Concrete assistance in dealing with those affected provides guidance to the social environment and helps to act empathetically and supportively when help is needed.

ART BOOK Normal weight

Normalgewicht (Normal Weight) originally originated as an artistic book project within the framework of a bachelor's thesis in media design studies. It is not just a work to read, but to experience.

Learn more

Watch it now on YouTube! A documentary about the background, design concept, and development process of Normalgewicht (Normal Weight).

ENDLICH NORMALGEWICHT – UND TROTZDEM ESSSGESTÖRT?

Im Gespräch mit Caro Gugu von „Dein Körper ist genug“ sprechen wir über Essstörungen, gesellschaftliche Schönheitsideale, den Druck, vorgegebenen Körpernormen entsprechen zu müssen und warum Gesundheit mehr ist als eine Zahl auf der Waage.

Podcast anhören

PODCAST NORMAL WEIGHT – BECAUSE EATING DISORDERS CAN'T BE WEIGHED.

Enlightenment, personal insights, and a book presentation on the Radio free FM show from Ulm. The focus was on the topic of eating disorders. A particularly important message for us was: Most people with eating disorders are of normal weight – it often doesn't show.

Listen to podcast

About the author

Johanna Elsen successfully completed her Media Design studies (B.A.) at DHBW Ravensburg in 2024. During this time, she gained three years of practical experience in a full-service communications agency and has since worked as a freelance graphic designer, photographer, and videographer. View portfolio.

In 2024, she wrote the guide book Normalgewicht, in which she educates about eating disorders and offers assistance in dealing with affected individuals. In connection with this, she offers lectures on the contents of the book and the underlying topic. She provides further educational work through her contributions as a content creator on social media. Normalgewicht marks the beginning of her self-employed work as an author and speaker.

In 2026, Johanna Elsen founded the creative studio studio.elsen and, as owner, manages product development, production, sales, and the company's entire brand presence (in addition to her own work).

Raised near Freiburg im Breisgau, Johanna now lives in Berlin, where she pursues her great passions: playing football and piano.