Eating Disorder Myths

Eating disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED), are very serious conditions that have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), more than 30 million Americans have an eating disorder.

It is important to recognize the signs of these illnesses and encourage professional treatment as soon as possible to increase the chance of recovery. To better understand the truths behind eating disorders, let’s debunk some common myths!

Myth #1: “My child doesn’t have an eating disorder, I see them eat all the time!”

Truth: There are other, more subtle signs of eating disorders aside from food refusal. These can include personality, behavioral and physical changes. Your child may still be eating, but perhaps not enough to support normal growth and development or their level of physical activity. In addition to forming regular eating patterns, people with an eating disorder likely need to work on issues that have contributed to the development of the disorder and the onset of disordered eating habits. True recovery from an eating disorder involves identifying the emotions behind risky behaviors and learning strategies to cope with those emotions.

Myth #2: “Someone must be underweight to have an eating disorder.”

Truth: Eating disorders affect individuals at all shapes and sizes. In fact, only one out of the six major types of eating disorder diagnoses involves weight loss. Eating disorder behaviors can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental health, regardless of their weight.

Myth #3: “Eating disorders are a choice—they are a result of someone being vain and seeking attention.”

Truth: This myth causes immense shame in those struggling with eating disorders. The connection between body image concerns and disordered eating can sometimes cause people to mistakenly believe that eating disorders are prompted by vanity and the desire to maintain body ideals. This is false; eating disorders are complex medical and psychiatric illnesses that require professional help. Eating disorders are not a matter of willpower, do not have a singular cause, and commonly occur alongside mental health conditions like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression.

Myth #4: “Only young females have eating disorders.”

Truth: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, body sizes, races, and ethnicities. Evidence shows that transgender and gender non-binary populations are at 2-4 times greater risk of developing an eating disorder compared to cisgender individuals. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, up to 1 in 3 eating disorder diagnoses in teens are male, and disordered eating behaviors are as common among males as they are among females.

Myth #5: “Eating disorders are caused by outside influences such as social media.”

Truth: Today’s society has constant focus on dieting, losing weight, and being thin. This can contribute to an unhealthy obsession with food and weight but is not necessarily the root cause. Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. An eating disorder may be triggered by societal pressure to be thin, traumatic experiences, low self-esteem, or a family history of eating disorders.

Myth #6: Parents are to blame for their loved one’s eating disorder.

Truth: Research supports that eating disorders have a strong biological root, however eating disorders develop differently and from a combination of factors. The most effective treatments for eating disorders in youth actively involve family members in the recovery process and due to the demanding nature of supporting someone with an eating disorder, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to receive support during the illness as well.

Myth #7: People with eating disorders are cured after treatment.

Truth: Recovery time varies for everyone. Even with a full recovery, many find that they have to perform maintenance activities, like planning meals and follow-up appointments with a therapist, dietitian, and/or medical provider, to prevent relapse. People who struggle with eating disorders can have intense distress that interferes with daily functioning and quality of life, however there is always hope for recovery. Recovery can take years, and while not everyone with an eating disorder will recover fully, many do improve with treatment.