Eating Disorder Myths That are Harmful
Stay informed to avoid these life threatening disorders
With the media plying our society with distorted views of what the "ideal" woman and man should look like, it is easy for women and men to try to meet those expectations no matter how impossible. Striving to meet these unrealistic standards often results in eating disorders which can be life threatening.
Read and understand these common myths associated with eating disorders so you can avoid this happening to you and prevent it happening to a loved one.
Eating Disorder Myths
Myth #1 -- Only women and girls can have an eating disorder
While much less common, men and boys can suffer from eating disorders too.
Myth #2 -- You can only have one type of eating disorder at a time
This is simply not true. It is very possible to show signs of bulimia and anorexia at the same time.
Myth #3 -- Compulsive eating is not an eating disorder
When people think of eating disorders, they tend to think of bulimia and anorexia but compulsive eating is just as much an eating disorder as these two and needs to be treated.
Myth #4 -- Men and boys who have eating disorders are gay
Sexual orientation has absolutely nothing to do with eating disorders.
Myth #5 -- An eating disorder is not life-threatening
Eating disorders are definitely life-threatening and should be treated as such. If you suspect a friend or loved one has a form of eating disorder, you need to seek help for that person.
Myth #6 -- Only mentally ill people have eating disorders
Eating disorders are obsession-based and do not necessarily indicate a mental illness. A person can definitely have an eating disorder with no associated psychological problems.
However, when an eating disorder continues for a long period of time it is often discovered to be secondary to an underlying psychological problem. The most common psychological problems connected to eating disorders are: obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar, and panic disorders.
Myth #7 -- Once you have an eating disorder, you'll always have an eating disorder
It won't happen overnight, but with proper treatment and support from friends and family, complete recovery is possible.
If you suspect someone you know has an eating disorder, take action. Contact your family doctor or an eating disorder specialist in your area for immediate treatment.
