Four Common Misconceptions About Anorexia
Despite the vast amount of knowledge surrounding eating disorders stemming from research and patient experiences, there are still misconceptions and myths surrounding these disorders.
By: Regina Colie
Anorexia nervosa, a common eating disorder, can cause significant damage to a person’s physical and mental health. The misconceptions around anorexia can be incredibly damaging as well.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by intake restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight. However, like with any mental health disorder, some common misconceptions and myths can alter how we view this eating disorder. Recognizing what is true and false about anorexia is essential to help increase awareness and learn the truth.
Misconception #1: Anorexia Nervosa is Strictly About the Food
Anorexia is characterized by restricting one’s intake. However, the cause for this restriction doesn't lie solely in food. Instead, the root cause for this restriction could be anything from anxiety to seeking control to perfectionism. Individuals struggling with anorexia may also engage in restriction to gain acceptance from their peers.
Misconception #2: Anorexia Only Affects Women
Even though there are statistically higher rates of anorexia affecting women, the eating disorder can affect all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or race. This misconception can lead many people across the gender spectrum to question whether or not they are sick enough to seek a diagnosis, support, or treatment for their eating disorder.
Misconception #3: Only People with Amennorhea Can Be Diagnosed with Anorexia
Although many people identifying as female experience missed periods due to anorexia nervosa, not every woman may experience abnormal cycles, which will also depend on the severity of the disorder, among other factors. Abnormal or irregular menstrual cycles are not a diagnostic factor but a possible side effect of eating disorders.
Misconception #4: Anorexia Is A Choice
Individuals struggling with an eating disorder don't choose to do so. Assuming that people with eating disorders use the disorder as a form of attention-seeking behavior adds shame to the situation. Various factors, such as genetics and environment, can contribute to the development of an eating disorder – none of which are a choice.
Despite these damaging misconceptions about anorexia, there is still hope for recovery. By learning about eating disorders and correcting harmful myths about them, you are taking a step in the direction of demystifying these mental health disorders and reducing the shame and stigma that surrounds them.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained to diagnose and treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating and body image issues. We also have multiple free webinars on our YouTube Channel discussing anorexia, such as our Eating Disorders 101: All About Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia in All Bodies webinars.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have 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, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
Hull, M. (2022). 8 Common Myths About Anorexia. The Recovery Village. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/anorexia/anorexia-myths/
Contributor, D. (2021). Five common misconceptions about anorexia nervosa. Center for Discovery. https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/five-common-misconceptions-anorexia-nervosa/
Crane, M. (2023, April 27). “You’re not sick enough” | Misconceptions about eating disorders. Within Health. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/not-sick-enough-eating-disorder-misconceptions