There is a lot of misinformation on the internet regarding eating disorders. And to help dispel these myths, we have listed down 5 common myths and facts about eating disorders.

What You Need to Know About Anorexia

Common Myths and Facts About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are eating habits that can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health. They are serious conditions that can affect up to 4% of the population.

Some eating disorders can cause a person to quickly lose weight, such as anorexia. Another type of eating disorder – binge-eating disorder -causes people to eat uncontrollably during times of stress.

Not a lot of people are aware of what eating disorders are, and how these can affect a person’s health. Below is a list of some myths and facts about eating disorders.

Myth 1: Eating disorders are a choice

This is a common misconception. Some think that a person with an eating disorder can just “snap” out of it and stop having problems. They might think that because it’s a mental health problem, it can be solved with self-control. But this isn’t true at all.

Fact: People with eating disorders have no control over it

The reality is that eating disorders are things that people have no control over. Eating disorders are complex illnesses, and involve both a person’s mental and physical health.

In most cases, people with eating disorders also have other mental health problems, and these also need to be treated in order to recover from an eating disorder.

Myth 2: Only girls have eating disorders

This is another myth that a lot of people believe. This perception may be due to media framing, depicting more women suffering from eating disorders than men. B

Fact: Both boys and girls can have eating disorders

While it’s true that young girls are the ones usually affected by an eating disorder, boys are also at risk of eating disorders. In fact, no group is immune from eating disorders.

Myth 3: It’s not a big deal

Some people might dismiss eating disorders as simply a phase, or a minor problem. Others might even think that it’s a normal thing that some people go through. But this is not the case. There is a stark difference between “dieting” and an eating disorder.

Fact: Eating disorders should be taken seriously

While dieting focuses on getting healthy, eating disorders may lead to negative effects on one’s health. A person’s health is at risk if the condition is not treated properly. People can die of malnutrition, and can suffer from serious health complications because of eating disorders. An eating order is a mental illness on its own, and needs specific treatments. This is why it should be taken seriously.

Myth 4: It’s the parents’ fault

Another common myth is that eating disorders are the parents’ fault. Some people are too quick to blame the parents’ of a person that has an eating disorder, but in reality it’s not that simple.

Fact: Eating disorders are a complex disease

Parents’ are not the cause of eating disorders in their children. When it comes to eating disorders, there is no single cause that you can pinpoint. It is, however, considered due to mental health issues.

Eating disorders are the result of a number of things in a person’s life such as body image, and personality traits, and it is unfair to blame it solely on their parents.

Myth 5: They just want attention

Lastly, one of the most prevalent myths is that people with eating disorders just want attention. This is actually a misconception that a lot of mental health problems share, and is absolutely untrue.

Fact: Most people actually want to keep it a secret

The reality is that most people with eating disorders are trying to keep it a secret. They might be embarrassed about their condition, or afraid of what might happen if others found out. It’s not attention-seeking behavior, it is an illness, and people should be more understanding of people with these problems.

Key Takeaways

Eating disorders should always be taken seriously. Just like any other mental health problem, professional health is important when it comes to treating this condition. It’s also important to take away the stigma surrounding eating disorders, as these only make it more difficult for people to seek help.

Lastly, it is also important to know true and untrue information about eating disorders.

Learn more about Healthy Mind and Eating Disorders here.