Busting 7 Myths About Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are a range of conditions that are often misunderstood. In fact, these conditions rarely get the attention they deserve.

For various reasons, several myths have developed regarding eating disorders. In this article, we bust seven of these myths!

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders: An Eating Disorder is a mental disorder that is characterised by abnormal eating habits, and generally, an unhealthy relationship with food. Eating disorders can cause intense mental suffering, and lead to physical health problems. There are several different types of eating disorders – each with their own set of symptoms. t is common for someone with an eating disorder to have a comorbid mental health condition.

1. People “choose” to have an eating disorder

Unfortunately, many people think that an eating disorder is something trivial – in actual fact they are complex conditions. People certainly don’t choose to go through the pain of an eating disorder.

Several different elements can cause the disorder. Bullying, genetics and past trauma are all potential factors. We have an article that looks at potential causes of the condition here.

2. Eating disorders aren’t serious

Again, another myth! To underline how serious these illnesses are, one of the best-known disorders – Anorexia Nervosa – actually has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness [1]. You can read more about this in our article on the prognosis of eating disorders.

Not only do sufferers have emotional trauma to live with, but they also are at risk of severe physical ailments. In many cases, eating disorders can become life-threatening.

3. Only girls get eating disorders

In the media, it is often exclusively girls that we see with eating disorders. While eating disorders are more common for girls than boys, both can get it.

Both men and women suffer from eating disorders, anyone is vulnerable. It is crucial to not neglect men.

4. Only teenagers get eating disorders

Following on from the above, while it is often teenagers that develop eating disorders, anyone can get an eating disorder.

This can include grown men and women. There is no cut-off age for an eating disorder to develop.

5. It’s all the parents fault

Some people suggest the development of an eating disorder is down to the way parents act towards children.

While harsh parenting and neglect can be a factor, it is just one of many, many potential causes.

It would be a disservice to those suffering from eating disorders to suggest every disorder is down to the actions of parents.

6. A child will definitely have an eating disorder if a parent did

While eating disorders can run in families, genetics isn’t everything. As discussed above, anyone is vulnerable to such a disorder.

Just because a parent had an eating disorder, it doesn’t mean it will automatically pass on to their children.

7. People with eating disorders can just “snap out” of it

If only it was this simple. People with eating disorders cannot just turn their symptoms off like a light switch.

These are complex conditions. Many, many elements are involved in an eating disorder. Treatment for eating disorders is needed, but it takes time.

Summary

Eating Disorders are very challenging to live with. Having the above myths attached to the condition only adds to the challenges.

To find out more about eating disorders, you can visit our dedicated section on this illness, where there is plenty of information.

See Also

• Eating Disorders Section
• Eating Disorders: Everything You Need To Know
• What Are The Symptoms of Eating Disorders?
• 10 Tips for Living With Eating Disorders