So you just learned what an eating disorder is. Maybe you’re reading this for you, or someone you love. It is great that you are taking the time to learn more about it! Eating disorders can be complicated, confusing, and overall a frustrating truth for some people. Recovery is not linear, easy, or as simple as “just eat”. It’s not simply “just buy clothes that fit you”, or “maybe you should start going to the gym?”. Some of these comments can be incredibly hurtful, triggering, and lead to a relapse and worsening symptoms. There are some myths about eating disorders that can lead some people to not take the diagnosis seriously. Recovery is the most successful when you and your family and/or support system learn about common eating disorder myths and accept a new way of thinking. Eating disorder recovery may challenge common beliefs you have learned over your lifetime, generationally through your family, society, or medical professionals. Let’s take the time to get familiar with the truth!

*Eating disorders are a psychiatric and medical illness. They are not a choice.

*Societal, environmental, and genetic influences can cause an individual to be more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.

*Males and females can develop an eating disorder.

*Historical researchers found religious fasting was a cause of early accounts of eating disorders.

*Society’s media-driven thin body ideals are an influence.

*Childhood teasing and bullying is an environmental influence. 

*Parent’s don’t cause eating disorders, especially mother’s. There is a strong biological root for how it affects different people. 

*However, a family system can play a role in creating a recovery promoting environment. 

*Treatment and recovery increase in speed when families and parents are positively involved. 

*Eating disorders  have the highest mortality rate than any psychiatric illness. 

*Up to 20% of individuals with chronic anorexia nervosa  will die as a result of the illness. Bulimia, binge eating disorder, and OSFED have similar mortality rates.

*Purging, starvation, over-exercise, and suicde are common among individuals with eating disorders.

*People who abuse laxatives, diuretics, or force vomiting are at a significantly higher risk of sudden death from heart attacks due to electrolyte imbalances. 

*Excessive exercise can increase the risk of death in individuals due to stress on the body.

*Individuals suffering from eating disorders often hide symptoms out of shame or fear of being stopped. It’s common to be surprised at how severe and pervasive it really is. 

*If you suspect someone struggles with an eating disorder, it’s important to express concern, empathy, compassion, and support professional help.

*Some individuals who live with an eating disorder struggle to recognize the severity or issue. 

*Other people may be ready and willing but afraid of how to stop.

*You or a loved one doesn’t need to wait for their readiness if they are in a crucial state and under 18. Emergency medical help can get involved if you fear severe illness. 

Now that you have familiarized yourself with common eating disorder myths, you and/or your loved one can move forward accordingly. That may be to seek professional treatment and continue to search for helpful resources such as this one. Remember, the first step is to acknowledge it and to start having helpful conversations. For additional support click here.