Myths About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complicated and layered conditions. There are many beliefs about eating disorders that simply aren’t true and some aspects about eating disorders that are commonly misunderstood. It is important to have an accurate general knowledge about eating disorders in order to seek the appropriate support. Some of the myths about eating disorders include the following:
Individuals who have eating disorders are underweight.
There is no specific body type that represents eating disorders. Eating disorders are often believed to only impact thin, white women. In fact, people with eating disorders range all different body sizes. The only eating disorder diagnosis that takes weight into consideration is anorexia nervosa, and there are cases of what is referred to as atypical anorexia, which is when a person is considered normal weight or overweight yet is exhibiting symptoms of anorexia. People in larger bodies go undiagnosed with eating disorders due to the myth that eating disorders only affect underweight people. This is a major risk factor because many people with eating disorders are not receiving the treatment that they need.
Eating disorders only affect females.
Eating disorders impact all ages, races, body sizes, socioeconomic statuses, religions, sexual orientations, and genders. Similar to the reason eating disorders go unnoticed in people who are in larger bodies, eating disorders also go unnoticed in people who were not assigned female at birth. Again, the risk factors here are significant. Eating disorders impact physical and mental health, and untreated symptoms can cause a range of significant health concerns.
Eating disorders are about food.
It makes sense that this is a common misconception about eating disorders. However, most eating disorders aren’t really about food. Eating disorders are emotional disorders. Eating disorder symptoms are typically used as ways to cope with a greater issue such as trauma, life adjustment, low self- esteem, anxiety, or depression.
People who eat regularly can’t be diagnosed with an eating disorder.
People with eating disorders are not always starving themselves. In fact, most people with eating disorders are not starving themselves. Eating disorder symptoms also include eating much more than one typically would in one sitting, eating an amount of food and then compensating for what was consumed, and only eating “safe” foods. To bust the next myth, consider that one’s “safe” food is completely personal to them and can range from what is often believed to be “unhealthy” like a McDonald’s cheeseburger to what is believed to be “healthy” like a salad.
“Just eat” is the way to treat an eating disorder.
Because eating disorders are believed to be about food people often think that treatment can be all about food as well. Parents and supports of individuals with eating disorders often encourage them to “just eat”. If only it were that simple. Eating disorders are best treated by a multidisciplinary team that includes a therapist, medical doctor, and a dietitian. Some eating disorders will require regular visits to other specialists like psychiatrists, gastroenterologists, speech language pathologists, gynecologists, and endocrinologists. Remember that eating disorders are not just about food. They are emotional disorders that happen to affect the physical body as well as mental health, and they need to be treated as such. The best way to find out what yours or your loved one’s needs might be is to start with an assessment to diagnose an eating disorder and receive the appropriate recommendations for support.
Eating disorders are not a big deal.
Because diet culture normalizes the desire to be thin, lose weight, and eat “healthy”. Eating disorders are often unnoticed or thought of as a phase. The reality is that eating disorders are definitely a big deal. Eating disorders can come with a number of health concerns including but not limitied to digestive problems, suicidal ideation, hormonal issues, dental decay, and cardiac concerns. These symptoms are serious, and as a result, eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. Eating disorder symptoms should be taken very seriously and treated thoroughly by a specialized team of professionals.
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