common myths and sterotypes 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.
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.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, located in New York City, offers free consultation calls to help you explore next steps. We provide in-person programming seven days a week and are in-network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, Emblem, and Oscar, with Aetna coverage coming soon. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team here and stay connected with BALANCE on Instagram here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, having earned 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 also geeks out on neuroscience and loves studying the brain and its anatomy. Tori currently works as a Mental Health Practitioner at an eating disorder clinic. Outside work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.
