There are many misconceptions about eating disorders that can make it harder to understand the truth. For instance, did you know that eating disorders extend beyond just anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating? While these are the three most well-known diagnoses, there are several others that are important to recognize.
So, when it comes to sorting out the facts, it’s critical to look beyond stereotypes and myths and explore the full reality of these disorders. Keep reading to uncover common misconceptions and learn the facts that you, your loved one, or a patient need to know. Let’s set the record straight!
Myth #1:
Eating disorders only happen to teenage girls.
Fact:
Eating disorders can happen to anyone. Although the age of onset typically occurs during adolescence and early adulthood, eating disorders affect all genders and can be triggered on at any age. Certain factors may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, such as:
- Genetic vulnerabilities
- Dieting or other forms of restrictive eating
- Hormonal transitions (e.g., puberty, perimenopause, postpartum)
- Co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, or trauma history
- Cultural and societal pressures that idealize thinness
- Body dissatisfaction, gender dysphoria, low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsivity, and/or difficulties with emotional expression or regulation
- Major life changes, transitions, or experiences of loss
- Participation in sports or activities emphasizing weight, shape, or size
- Social media use that involves excessive comparison and self-objectification
- Peer pressure and bullying, particularly related to weight or appearance
Myth #2:
Eating disorders are only dangerous if you’re “underweight.”
Fact:
Symptoms such as restricting, binging, and purging can result in serious medical and psychological complications regardless of weight, shape, or body size. Eating disorders are one of the deadliest psychiatric conditions in the DSM-5, and those affected by them face an elevated risk of suicidality.
People in larger bodies who struggle with eating disorders are often told – or come to believe – that they aren’t sick and simply need to try harder to lose weight. Cultural and medical weight stigma reinforce these harmful messages, encouraging continued restrictive dieting that can worsen their condition, trapping them in a harmful cycle of disordered eating. This cycle ultimately damages self-image and self-esteem, deepens the emotional toll of weight stigma, and tightens the grip of the eating disorder.
Myth #3:
Eating disorder treatment is all about food and weight.
Fact:
Eating disorders are complex disorders, and the work in recovery goes far beyond healing the physical body. Effective treatment targets the deeper emotional, relational, and cognitive factors that fuel eating disorder symptoms and cycles.
Depending on the severity of the eating disorder and its co-occurring conditions, levels of care can range from weekly appointments with an outpatient team to settings with more structure and support, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP), a partial hospitalization program (PHP), a residential program (RES), or in severe cases, an inpatient hospitalization setting (IP).
Conclusion
Even when we’re aware of the myths and misconceptions about eating disorders, it can still be difficult to know when you – or someone you care about – is struggling. In a culture that idealizes thinness and normalizes disordered eating, these harmful messages reinforce the belief that something is wrong with our bodies. Over time, this can make it even harder to recognize when there’s a deeper issue. You may feel uncertain about what to do next – or whether seeking treatment is the right choice.
A comprehensive assessment by an experienced professional can help you better understand your concerns and determine the most appropriate path forward. You don’t have to face this alone – support is available.
Recovery is possible for many, especially with specialized care – and reaching out for it is a sign of strength and courage.
With dedicated support and a comprehensive treatment plan from Renfrew, individuals can regain a healthy relationship with food, body image, and themselves. There is hope for a brighter future. Contact us today to get started.
If you, a loved one, or a patient is experiencing an eating disorder, help is available. Contact The Renfrew Center’s team by phone at 1-(800) 736-3739 or complete our online form.
