Myths & Facts About Eating Disorders
When we hear the term “eating disorder,” a multitude of thoughts may come to mind. Some of these thoughts may come from personal experiences or loved ones’ experiences, while others may come from certain stereotypes or societal views we have encountered. Keep reading to learn whether some of these thoughts are myths or facts about eating disorders!
Myth or Fact:
Eating disorders only affect white, middle-class women.
Answer:
Myth! Eating disorders can affect all people, regardless of how they present demographically. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, “one in three people struggling with an eating disorder is male.” Additionally, The Trevor Project writes that “particular subgroups of the LGBTQ community, such as those who are transgender or nonbinary, may be at greater risk for eating disorders.”
Myth or Fact:
You can tell someone has an eating disorder solely by looking at them or basing the assumption on how they appear physically.
Answer:
Myth! People’s physical appearance does not indicate their experiences with food, body, and mind. Eating disorders impact people of all different body shapes and sizes.
Myth or Fact:
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that are not a choice for the person experiencing them.
Answer:
Fact! Eating disorders are bio-psycho-social illnesses, meaning that the cause of the eating disorder is incredibly complex. Therefore, due to multiple different societal, environmental, historical, and other factors, it is evident that experiencing an eating disorder is not a choice, in the same way that experiencing any other medical condition is not a choice.
Myth or Fact:
Since I don’t always see someone actively engaging in eating disorder behaviors, their illness must not be that serious.
Answer:
Myth! Many people with eating disorders tend to hide symptoms or behaviors. Eating disorders are inherently very secretive, which can be due to feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt, or a fear of no longer being able to engage in symptoms if someone finds out. Regardless of whether or not one is actively and publicly displaying symptoms of an eating disorder, it is necessary to approach that person with compassion and empathy when offering them support.
Myth or Fact:
Children are over 200 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than Type 2 diabetes.
Answer:
Fact! According to registered dietitian Alissa Rumsey, the above statement is true. Despite common fears and claims regarding the rising “childhood obesity epidemic,” what we really should be concerned with is the fact that the likelihood of children developing an eating disorder has significantly increased since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, it is important to consider whether these frequent thoughts or statements that come up when we hear the term “eating disorder” are true or if they are myths and are further perpetuated by external misconceptions.
Eating disorders are often secretive and sneaky, so it can be challenging to tell if you or a loved one are struggling. At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we offer two FREE Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups, which provide a supportive forum where members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. RSVP for our next group here.
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References
Bunnell, Douglas. “Eating Disorders in Men and Boys.” The National Eating Disorders
Association, n.d.
Cloyd, Katie. “Kids Are Over 200 Times More Likely To Develop An Eating Disorder Than
Diabetes.” Scary Mommy, 19 Mar. 2021.
“Eating Disorders among LGBTQ+ Youth.” The Trevor Project, 17 Feb. 2022.
This post was written by BALANCE Clinical Intern, Sajel Jani (she/her).
Sajel Jani is currently in her final year of Columbia University’s MSW program and holds a B.A. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. Her passion lies in supporting clients on their eating disorder recovery journey, including finding confidence, self-empowerment, and what is considered healthy for them. Sajel is an active fighter against diet culture on social media and strives to spread messages of self-love and acceptance. Ultimately, she wants to pursue a career where she can help those struggling with an eating disorder discover the life they deserve without an eating disorder. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, going for walks, and reading. Sajel is excited and eager to learn from the talented staff at BALANCE and aid clients in their journeys toward recovery.
