Although some 30 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives, there are a lot of myths surrounding the condition.
“As a society, we frequently hide, deny or otherwise avoid discussing mental health and addiction disorders,” says Dr. Philip Hartman, a family physician in St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Union US 42 Primary Care office. “The stigma around these particular illnesses can prevent those afflicted from seeking help and allow myths to flourish as fact.”
In light of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 26 – March 4), we thought we’d set the record straight with facts from the National Eating Disorders Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Institute of Mental Health.
Myth: Only teenage girls get eating disorders.
Fact: Eating disorders, such as bulimia, binge eating disorder, and anorexia, are serious illnesses that involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding food, exercise, and body image. They affect all kinds of people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, sexuality, or background. At least 1 out of every 10 people with an eating disorder is male and eating disorders in males and among young children are on the rise, according to a clinical report released by the AAP.
Myth: You can tell whether someone has an eating disorder by his or her size.
Fact: Individuals with eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Many individuals with severe disorders including bulimia, binge eating, and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) can be underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese and often fluctuate in weight. Even athletes who appear to be incredibly fit might be struggling with an eating disorder.
Myth: Eating disorders are a choice.
Fact: Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not choices. To recover, a person needs treatment, support, medical monitoring, nutritional rehabilitation and help adopting healthier ways to manage stress.
Myth: Dysfunctional families and controlling parents are to blame.
Fact: Between 50-80 percent of a person’s risk for developing an eating disorder is due to genetic factors. Parents and families can play an important role in helping a person recover.
Myth: Anorexia is the only life-threatening eating disorder
Fact: Eating disorders in general have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and they all come with an increased risk of suicide.
“While people commonly associate death with anorexia, they forget that binge eating can lead to diabetes, and diabetes is the most under-reported contributor to cause of death in the United States,” said Hartman. “Even under-reported, it claims spot No. 7 on the top 10 causes of death in the United States.”
Worried that you or someone you love may have an eating disorder? NEDA offers an online screening tool and a toll free helpline (1-800-931-2237).
