Myths About Eating Disorders

Do you know why so few of the 30 million Americans that will suffer from an eating disorder during their lifetime will seek treatment? Because they don’t feel like they fit the stereotypical “look” that an eating disorder supposedly has. In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Month, we wanted to bust some common myths associated with eating disorders. 

Myth #1: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are the only two eating disorders. 

There are many more eating disorders including ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder) and Binge Eating Disorder. Binge Eating Disorder is actually the most common eating disorder.

Myth #2: You can tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them. 

The truth is that the majority of those struggling with an eating disorder are not underweight. There is no one “look” to an eating disorder as they affect people of all sizes, genders, races and sexual orientations. Similarly, someone does not have to appear visibly emaciated, or stop eating for days at a time, to suffer from anorexia. Many individuals who are diagnosed with anorexia appear “healthy” and eat every day. 

Myth #3: Someone with an eating disorder can simply “snap out of it” and just eat more. 

No one with an eating disorder can cure themselves by simply eating more. In order to recover, those with eating disorders often need treatment from a team consisting of a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist and physician who all specialize in the treatment of eating disorders. 

Myth #4: Eating disorders are just about the food.

In reality, an eating disorder is a biopsychosocial illness stemming from a variety of factors. Approximately 30-50% of those struggling have a comorbid psychological disorder such as anxiety, OCD, depression or trauma. While an eating disorder may appear on the surface to be about the food, it is much deeper. 

Myth #5: An eating disorder will be a lifelong struggle. 

While some individuals may struggle with their eating disorder throughout their lives, full recovery is possible, especially with early intervention and treatment. Even though it can be a long road, hold onto hope because recovery is possible. 

*All statistics pulled from www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com   

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