Elissa Savov believed in the Lord Jesus to be her Savior when she was about four years old. She is blessed with two wonderful Christian parents who nurtured her spiritual growth throughout her life, and two younger sisters who were her best friends, and three younger brothers. Elissa graduated from Simpson College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, where she completed a four year program in three years. Her first year of college she met her future husband, Naiden Savov. They got married the summer before their last year of college and Elissa became pregnant soon after their wedding. Two days before graduation her precious little Aviela Savov was born. Elissa enjoys singing, spending time with family, and finding joy in her Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have the best sisters in the world and they, as well as my entire family, have given me such love and support throughout my life. I have indeed been anorexic. When Emily asked me to write something, I of course agreed, but had no idea how to go about doing it. What would I say? I have asked God for wisdom, and I will share with you my story of my battle, and freedom. If any of you reading this suffer from anorexia, I desire that these words will be from God and will give you hope. I know what you have experienced, at least to some degree, and I know that God is more powerful than anything.
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- The death rate associated with anorexia is approximately 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of mortality for females ages 15-24 years old.
- About 20% of people suffering from Anorexia will prematurely die from health complications related to their eating disorder. This includes suicide and heart problems.
- Among adolescents, Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness.
- 95% of people with eating disorders are between ages 12-25.
- 50% of girls between ages 11 and 13 believe they are overweight.
- 80% of 13 -year-olds have tried to lose weight.
- Up to 30% of patients with eating disorders never recover.
- It has been estimated that suicide accounts for as many as half the deaths in Anorexia, with studies showing up to one-fifth of people with Anorexia attempting suicide.
“The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Elissa Savov
Do you find yourself sometimes believing Satan’s lies? How do you discern lies from the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Evianne Crawford says
Wow, this is an incredible testimony, Elissa! Thanks for sharing it, it has helped me correct some of my ways of thinking. I love you!
melaina says
Emily, thanks for posting Elissa's story! And thanks Elissa for being so honest.
Working in college ministry, i've talked with girls who have dealt with eating disorders, but i never know really how to respond. Thank you for sharing your personal experience and providing a window into a serious issue.
withoutadornment says
Thank you for sharing your story! I think it's really cool that you're so open and honest about your experiences with eating disorders. I hope and pray that your testimony will help others get the help and support that they need!
Ania says
Wow Elissa, I did not know about this,but thank you to sharing your story.I am sure your story will help some young girls.
We are so thankful that you are part of our family and that you are healthy now.God is good!!!You are wonderful wife,mother and daughter in law. Love u,Ania
Rach says
Thanks for sharing this! What a blessing that you can show that there is so much hope for the future!
I work with teenaged girls and (as the stats show) many of them struggle with eating disorders. It's such an addiction and such a control over them that it's hard to see out. It's hard to see any day ever being happy unless you get to x-weight. And then that weight arrives and it's not enough.
I always always ALWAYS want to encourage the girls that there is HOPE and health and happiness on the other side. That they can come through it and that there is a God who desperately loves them as they are.
I appreciate you sharing this because it's so much what I want girls (and women!) everywhere to hear. Thanks for being a blessing!
vivi b. says
wow.. i am inspired by your story Elissa.. thanks for sharing.. and It's a blessing that you had a supportive boyfriend/husband..
the statistics blew me away! anoorexia is indeed a serious matter!
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Katie says
Emily,
I am inspired by your strength and your honesty. One of my best friends dealt with this and she had gone down to 60 lbs. It awful with the fear that at any moment she would be gone. It's strange how timing is. I was just discussing this with a friend tonight, that occured 10 yrs ago. I then come on and read your post. I'm so happy that you found your way back to being happy and confident. I'm glad to hear you are happy with you. That's most important. I can see in the picture the beautiful support system you had. That is what makes life worth it 🙂
xoxo
Katie
HonorMommy says
I am thankful that God brought you out of the grips of this disease so that you can help others through it. Thank you for sharing your story, Elissa!