Common Myths and Stereotypes of Eating Disorders
More often than not, feelings of not being ‘sick enough’ or the fear of not fitting specific criteria keep people from believing they are worthy of eating disorder recovery. It is essential to acknowledge that living in a society where diets and disordered eating behaviors are praised makes it incredibly difficult to find healing with food, movement, mind, and body.
By: Tori Barkosky
Although it is not a definitive list, below are five different misconceptions and some clarity around the reality of eating disorders.
Myth: Eating disorders are a choice.
Fact: Eating disorders are not a choice.
Eating disorders are intricate psychiatric and medical illnesses that have nothing to do with choice. Decades of genetics research show that biological factors play a significant role in who does and does not develop eating disorders. However, eating disorders also show causation from environmental factors, making them bio-sociocultural diseases. The American Psychiatric Association classifies five distinct types of eating disorders as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
Myth: Eating disorders are not that serious.
Fact: Eating disorders are severe conditions.
All eating disorders are serious mental illnesses. These are devastating, potentially life-threatening conditions that take a toll on a person’s quality of life, affecting their physical and emotional health. People struggling with eating disorders need to seek professional help to achieve relief and recovery.
Myth: Eating disorders only affect young girls and women.
Fact: Eating disorders affect people of all genders and sexualities.
Eating disorders can affect anyone and do not discriminate based on gender or sex. The National Eating Disorder Association explains that eating disorders “can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.”
Myth: Only people in smaller bodies have eating disorders.
Fact: Eating disorders are not defined by body shape or size.
People of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds experience eating disorders. This stereotype contributes to misdiagnoses and prevents many struggling people from obtaining the treatment and support they need. Eating disorders are not physical illnesses; they are psychiatric ones.
Myth: Eating disorders are just about food.
Fact: Eating disorders are not just about food.
It is no secret that eating disorders involve an obsession with food, weight, and body image. However, these illnesses are caused by biological and sociocultural means. The behaviors seen in individuals with eating disorders are often used as a control mechanism for something else. Healing from an eating disorder is more than just “eating more” or “eating healthier.” It requires a combination of medical, psychiatric, therapeutic, and dietary inventions.
The Truth About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are severe conditions that affect many people in our society, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. If you or someone you know is struggling with food or body image distress, there is no wrong time to reach out for support.
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 behaviors and body image issues.
BALANCE also now offers exclusive insurance trials in its virtual track. With our insurance trials, eligible participants get access to treatment right away, comprehensive payment options, and our team’s support in navigating your coverage. Your insurance could cover up to 80% of your allowed amount up front, reducing the cost of your treatment, and allowing you to pay the remaining balance through a payment plan, after an initial deposit. Reach out here to see if you qualify.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is currently a senior at St. Catherine University, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She desires to become a holistic therapist or psychologist in the future and work with clients with eating disorders and help them recover and heal their broken relationship with food and body and find liberation from diet culture. Outside of classes and work, Tori enjoys yoga, being in nature, and consuming too much coffee.
References
“Eating Disorder Facts & Myths.” Eating Recovery Center, 2 Sept. 2020, https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/eating-disorder-facts-myths.
“Eating Disorder Myths.” National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Aug. 2019, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkit/parent-toolkit/eating-disorder-myths.
“What Are Eating Disorders?” Psychiatry.org - What Are Eating Disorders?, https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders.