Debunking Myths and Digging into the Facts About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a complex mental health condition that affect those of different genders, ages, and cultures. In this blog post we are going to break down some of the common myths and explore some of the key facts about different types of eating disorders.
Myth versus Facts about Eating Disorders
Myth: Eating disorders only affect females.
Fact: The reality is that while eating disorders do appear to be more common females, they can affect someone of any gender. Males are less likely to report a mental health struggle than females. About 25% of those with Anorexia and Bulimia are male and 40% of those with Binge Eating Disorder are male.
Myth: Eating Disorders are only about vanity.
Fact: Eating disorders stem from a combination of psychological, genetic, and environmental factors. Body image does play a role in some eating disorders. However, they often stem from an emotional place of psychological struggles with low self-esteem, perfectionism, or trauma. 50-80% of the risk for developing anorexia nervosa is genetic.
Myth: You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.
Fact: Eating disorders come in all different weights, shapes, and sizes. The media tends to portray severely underweight females as the typical eating disorder “look”. However, this just leads folks who are struggling to never feel sick enough for support. Only 70% of those with BED are considered “obese” according to society and 65% of folks with bulimia nervosa are considered “normal” or “overweight” weight.
Myth: Recovery from an eating disorder is only about gaining weight.
Fact: While weight restoration can be an important part of some folks' recovery process, it is not for every individual. Recovery focuses on addressing the underlying emotional stressors, taking a full body approach of working through therapy, nutritional support, and medical monitoring. Weight restoration is only at times a small part of that process.
Myth: ARFID is the same thing as picky eating.
Fact: Nearly half of children with ARFID report a fear of vomiting or choking. There is a significant amount of anxiety around food when one is struggling with ARFID versus picking eating. This may lead to avoiding functions and events that involve eating, causing folks to feel isolated. ARFID leads to nutritional deficiencies and health and a decline in an individual’s personal life in a negative way.
Myth: Eating disorders are a choice.
Fact: The cause of an eating disorder is typically unknown because it is made of of multiple factors. These factors consist of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. There are certain genetic factors that are common among eating disorders such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, impulsivity, anxiety or depression These are just a few. Another factor is diet culture and what we are surrounded by. For example, if you grow up in a household with someone that diets, you are more likely to also diet and one of the leading factors of an eating disorder is dieting.
There are so many myths about eating disorders that are spread by misinformation. This is just the start of our breakdown to help folks understand the significance of seeking support. You ARE sick enough. You ARE worthy of help. You DO deserve support, no matter your gender, age, size, shape, weight, or culture.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please do not hesitate to reach out for support. Contact us here at Serendipity Counseling Services for a free 15 minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit.
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