The Truth About Anorexia: 5 Facts You Didn’t Know
If you are reading this post, that means you are probably interested in learning about what anorexia nervosa (AN) is. You are also a human in this society. Inevitably, you are surrounded by messages brought to you by the media. So, take a second and think about what the media has told you or made you believe that anorexia nervosa is.
By: Taylor Riches
Now, throw all of those preconceived notions out the window.
The media has a way of portraying anorexia nervosa, or any eating disorder for that matter, in a reductive way. It rarely tells the truth of what it is like to have AN. So, let’s set the record straight. Here are a few critical facts about anorexia nervosa that you won’t find in traditional pop culture.
Anorexia Fact 1: Men account for 25% of people diagnosed with anorexia.
Anorexia nervosa does not only affect people who identify as female and have smaller bodies. Anorexia, like any eating disorder, does not discriminate. It can be found in any person regardless of someone’s body size, shape, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. People who are in larger bodies can struggle with AN. People who identify with different races can struggle with AN. People anywhere can struggle with AN. People of color are less likely to be diagnosed with AN and struggle for more extended periods. The media has made society believe that there is a very narrow idea of who can and does struggle with anorexia. However, people like Tess Holiday have shattered that image and introduced society to atypical anorexia.
Anorexia Fact 2: Anorexia can cause severe health consequences to a person’s body.
Society has normalized behaviors like restriction so normalized that people do not realize the complications associated with anorexia. AN can cause slowed digestion, hormone deficiencies, heart problems, hair loss/thinning, bone density loss, and many other medical complications. Without proper medical care and treatment, like those offered at BALANCE, untreated anorexia can be fatal. When restriction and dieting are glorified as “healthy,” the severity of eating disorders like anorexia gets lost on people.
Anorexia Fact 3: Anorexia has an estimated mortality rate of around 10%.
10% may not seem like a lot, but that’s one person out of ten. People with anorexia deserve to live and see the other side of what recovery looks like. The media does not show the reality of what it is like to live with an eating disorder. There are people out there fighting to stay alive every single day. They do not choose to live the way the media portrays it. Anorexia is an all-encompassing illness.
Anorexia Fact 4: Only 33% of people who struggle with anorexia get support.
Only a third of people struggling get some sort of support with anorexia nervosa, whether inpatient or outpatient treatment. You’re probably wondering why such a small percentage of people receive the help they need. Several important factors contribute to this. First, the cost of treatment is often high because of the nuanced and specialized treatment required for this complex condition. Second, according to the listing on the National Eating Disorder Association, 31 states in the US have three or fewer eating disorder specialists (whether that be an individual provider or program). That means that if they were spread evenly, there would be one provider every 15,500 miles. Finally, the feeling of ambivalence is found in all eating disorders. This can cause clients to feel like they are not sick enough for treatment or not even recognize the problem they face.
Anorexia Fact 5: Recovery is Possible.
Despite the complexity and hardships associated with AN, there is so much hope. With the help of eating disorder specialists and a strong support system, anybody can recover. Beck Liatt, the Clinical Director at BALANCE, explains, "Recovery from a restrictive ED is about reducing and challenging pleasure restriction. Restricting food, relationships, any source of joy is so praised in society, but it's imperative in recovery to reincorporate that joy wherever we can." Beyond being possible, recovery is worthwhile. You, or anyone struggling, deserve to find joy beyond an eating disorder.
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. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer high-quality programming, nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and various other groups and resources to help those seeking help for food concerns.
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 Social Work Intern, Taylor Riches (she/her).
Taylor is a Program Assistant and Social Work Intern here at BALANCE. She graduated from Adelphi University with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology while minoring in Business and taking courses that focus on child and family studies in 2020. She now attends Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work where she is intended to receive her Masters in Social Work in 2023. Taylor has been working in the eating disorder field since 2020. Throughout this time she has worked in admissions helping people take that next step in recovery. She has volunteered her time for organizations like the National Eating Disorder Association and the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.
References
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