“9% of the US population, or 30 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.”
With eating disorders being one of the most common mental health disorders, with a mortality rate of any psychiatric illness second behind opiate addiction, one would assume that knowledge would not only abound, it would be accurate.
But that just isn’t the case. Unfortunately, eating disorders continue to be highly misunderstood, with myths often overwhelming the facts. For this reason, it is more important now than ever to take a look at what is actually true, and what is not.
Eating disorder myths vs. facts
In order to better understand those who struggle with disordered eating, to communicate your needs if you yourself are battling a disorder or just learn more so as to have educated discussions, knowing the difference between the myths and facts of eating disorders is highly important.
Myth 1: Eating disorders are just a lifestyle choice.
Fact: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions. They are not about vanity or a choice to pursue a particular lifestyle. These disorders often stem from a combination of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors that many people don’t have complete control over.
Those suffering from eating disorders often require professional medical and psychological treatment to help reframe the thinking patterns that lead to these disordered behaviors.
Myth 2: Only teenage girls are affected by eating disorders.
Fact: Eating disorders do not discriminate and can affect individuals of any gender, age, ethnicity or background. While teenage girls may be stereotypically associated with these disorders, research indicates that they are also prevalent among boys, men, older adults and various other demographic groups.
Making it more widely understood that eating disorders can affect anyone can help minimize stereotypes, reduce the sense of it being “taboo” and make treatment more accessible to many. Feeling like they have someone safe to talk to in a safe place may empower those who were previously quiet about their struggle more open and honest.
Myth 3: People with eating disorders are underweight.
Fact: Weight is not a definitive indicator of an eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect individuals no matter what they weigh and conditions like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) do not often manifest with symptoms like significant thinness or the appearance of being underweight.
Additionally, athletes are commonly diagnosed with eating disorders, which can come across as surprising due to their supposed healthy habits. This furthers the point that assumptions can no longer be made that eating disorders manifest only as underweight individuals.
Myth 4: Eating disorders aren’t that serious.
Fact: Eating disorders are not only mentally hard to overcome and manage, they pose severe physical health risks and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. Complications can include heart disease, organ failure, malnutrition and significant psychological distress. Immediate professional intervention is crucial, and oftentimes the only way to effectively treat these conditions.
Myth 5: Eating disorders are caused by the media.
Fact: While media portrayals of body image can contribute to the development of eating disorders, they are not the only reason. Eating disorders are complex conditions with deep-rooted causes involving genetic, biological and environmental influences. So even though the way media promotes a “perfect and ideal” body can be influential, it’s not the only reason an eating disorder may develop.
Myth 6: Recovery from an eating disorder is quick and easy.
Fact: Recovery from an eating disorder is a long-term process that often requires specialized treatment and ongoing support. It involves addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder through both medical treatment and psychological interventions. The journey to recovery can vary greatly between individuals, making it a long process to even solidify the unique needs of each person.
Myth 7: Families are to blame for eating disorders.
Fact: Families do not cause eating disorders — on the other hand, they are often crucial allies in the recovery process. While family dynamics can play a role in the development of eating disorders, attributing the blame solely to family members oversimplifies the deeper issues present.
Looking for eating disorder support?
You might be battling a disorder, you may have a struggling loved one or you may just be trying to learn more about disordered eating habits. Regardless of the reason, Seeds of Hope is here to help with countless resources, professional staff and personalized treatment programs.
To learn more, call (610) 795-9667 or fill out an online contact form.
