At best, misconceptions might be hurtful to individuals struggling with disordered eating. At worst, they might keep you or someone you love from getting needed help. Here are some common myths, debunked.
Myth #1: Eating disorders are primarily about food.
Just eat. This might be your intuitive response to someone who refuses food - or to someone who's bingeing, just stop eating. These are among the least helpful comments you can make to someone with an eating disorder. Eating disorders have complex causes and can't be willed away. If you are struggling with disordered eating, don't deceive yourself that you can stop anytime - or beat yourself up for failing to do so. Find someone who can help.
Read more about the causes and treatment of eating disorders.
Myth #2: Body size is the best indicator of an eating disorder.
People of all shapes and sizes have eating disorders. While a low body weight is among the diagnostic criteria for anorexia, persons with binge eating disorder are typically obese, and those with bulimia can be underweight, overweight, or somewhere in between. What's more, it's difficult to judge weight by appearance. An emaciated look may be cause for concern, but distress over eating is a more consistent indicator that help is needed.
Myth #3: Eating disorders are a "white girl's disease."
Anyone can have an eating disorder. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports an increase in eating disorders among all ethnic and cultural groups. Disordered eating begins in girls as young as age 9 and is becoming more common among older women. And males account for roughly 10 percent of those with eating disorders. Don't dismiss your own or someone else's struggle because it doesn't match the picture you expect to see.
Myth #4: People with eating disorders don't want help.
While resistance is not uncommon, the American Journal of Psychiatry published a study showing that those who unwillingly enter treatment for an eating disorder fare just as well as their more willing counterparts. Furthermore, those who received life-saving treatment without their consent later expressed goodwill toward treatment providers. Don't assume someone with an eating disorder will refuse help. If they resist now, don't assume hope is lost.
Myth #5: You can never recover from an eating disorder.
Statistically, 60 percent of those receiving treatment for an eating disorder experience full recovery. Up to 80 percent experience at least partial recovery. Recovery can be a slow process, lasting several years and involving relapses and restarts. If you or someone you love is recovering from an eating disorder, have patience and hope. Recovery is possible and, with appropriate treatment, likely.
Kim Kankiewicz - Kim Kankiewicz has written about media literacy and stay-at-home parenting as a Suite101 Feature Writer and now writes about a wide range ...
