A Look into the Myths and Facts of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are among the most misunderstood mental health conditions. They’re often minimized, glamorized, or dismissed entirely. The truth? They’re complex, serious, and deeply personal. Let’s unpack some of the most common myths surrounding eating disorders and replace them with facts.
Eating disorders are just about food
This seems to be one of the most common myths surrounding eating disorders. However, the truth is that eating disorders are about much more than food. Eating disorders often stem from emotional pain, trauma, anxiety, or a need for control. Food becomes a coping mechanism, not the root cause; there is often more to an eating disorder than just food. Recovery means addressing the underlying issues, not just eating differently.
You can tell someone has an eating disorder by looking at them
This myth is especially harmful because it can keep people from seeking help.Thinness is not a requirement for suffering. There is no look to eating disorders. Weight is not a reliable indicator for health or suffering, many individuals with eating disorders are overlooked or even praised for their appearance, despite being in crisis. Judging someone’s health based on their appearance is not only inaccurate, it’s harmful. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, sizes, gender, and background.
Only teenage girls get eating disorders
This myth falls under the previous point as well. While teenage girls can struggle with an eating disorder, they also affect all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Men, older adults, nonbinary individuals, and people from diverse cultures all experience eating disorders. The stereotype of the “white teenage girl” erases countless others who suffer in silence and can make them reluctant to seek help.
It’s a phase or a lifestyle choice
Eating disorders are not a diet or a quirky obsession with wellness, they can be life threatening. They’re complex psychological illnesses and cannot be solved by simply telling them to “eat more/less” or “stop doing that habit”. Dismissing someone's struggle as a phase invalidates their pain and delays healing.
Complimenting weight loss is always positive
Praise can reinforce disordered behaviors. What you may see as “healthy” might be someone’s illness. Compliments about weight can validate harmful habits or trigger a relapse. Instead, focus on non-appearance-based affirmations. Some examples of this include “You seem more at peace” or “You’re a great listener”.
Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and shame, they are complex, painful, and often misunderstood. By challenging myths and sharing facts, we bring eating disorders into the light and foster space for empathy, support, and recovery.
- Sam Preston