What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of eating disorders? Most people would say food. However, eating disorders are so much more than that; they are severe mental disorders that intertwine with anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, and other mental conditions.

By: Irene Zheng

Nowadays, eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent as more and more people struggle with disordered eating habits. Even for professionals, eating disorders are complex illnesses caused by biological, psychological, and social factors. On top of that, social media feeds and conversations with friends constantly spread myths and misconceptions about eating disorders. This post aims to debunk some common misconceptions about eating disorders.

Myth 1: Eating Disorders Are A Choice

No one chooses to have an eating disorder. Decades of research show genetic and environmental factors cause eating disorders. Eating disorders often run in families; people who have parents or siblings who’ve had an eating disorder are at a higher risk. Those with eating disorders often have other co-occurring mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). None of these elements indicate that a person could have chosen to have an eating disorder.

Myth 2: All People With Eating Disorders Are Underweight

It is impossible to tell whether someone has an eating disorder by looking at them. Eating disorders affect all body sizes. Although anorexia nervosa and other restrictive eating disorders can cause weight loss, many people struggling with eating disorders are not underweight. Body size is not the only criterion for diagnosing an eating disorder.

Myth 3: Only Teenagers Have Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect people of all ages. Although people aged 12-25 have a higher risk of developing eating disorders, these disorders can develop at any age. A study in the journal Pediatrics found that even children as young as 5 to 6 years old are diagnosed with eating disorders. Also, many people who have been struggling with eating disorders carry their disorders from their teenage years into adulthood, and can begin to develop later in life as well.

Myth 4: Eating disorders Only Affect Women

Eating disorders affect people of all genders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 1 in 3 people who have an eating disorder is male. In the U.S., 10 million males will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. However, men are much less likely than women to seek treatment due to their beliefs that these disorders are “feminine,” which helps reinforce this myth. Additionally, non-gender-conforming people experience eating disorders at a higher rate than cisgender people, according to emerging research.

Myth 5: Eating Disorders Are Only About Food

This is the most common myth about eating disorders. While eating disorders often involve obsessions with food, calories, and weight, their symptoms can extend far beyond food. Studies have shown links between eating disorders and perfectionism. Eating disorder behaviors usually signify an attempt to gain control. However, because many parents and friends mistakenly assume that eating disorders are only about food, they often encourage those who are struggling just to eat more.

These are only some of the most common misconceptions about eating disorders. From now on, whenever you see posts or hear conversations about eating disorders, keep an eye on the accuracy of the information. Only then can we spread awareness of eating disorders and lead more people onto the path of recovery.

At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. BALANCE offers a bi-monthly Free Virtual Eating Disorder Support Group open to individuals seeking help and to family and loved ones. The group provides a supportive forum where members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. Click here to RSVP to our next group on Friday, January 5th, at 12 PM ET.

Our admissions team would happily answer any questions about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.

This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Irene Zheng (she/her).

References

“Eating Disorder Myths.” National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Aug. 2019, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkit/parent-toolkit/eating-disorder-myths.

“Eating Disorder Facts & Myths.” Eating Recovery Center, 2 Sept. 2020, https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/eating-disorder-facts-myths.

Leonard, Jayne. “Eating Disorders: Myths and Facts.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 3 Feb. 2020, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-disorders-myths-facts#weight.

Common Eating Disorder Myths