Eating Disorder Myths

There is so much misinformation out there about eating disorders. Sadly, this misinformation continues to impact the treatment of people living with eating disorders within society and within our medical system.
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Today I wanted to correct some common myths around eating disorders.

Myth: People who are an average weight or overweight cannot have an eating disorder.

Fact: An eating disorder, its severity, or the impact it has on a person cannot be determined by a person’s weight. Every person living with an eating disorder is worthy of treatment, regardless of body weight, shape, or size.

Myth: Eating disorders only effect women and girls and usually only impact teenage girls.
Fact: Eating disorders can impact any person, of any gender, age, race, culture or socio-economic background. It is estimated that males make up 1/3 of all people diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Myth: Eating disorders are a lifestyle choice, caused by vanity.

Fact: Eating disorders are a serious mental health condition. Like any other mental illness they are not a choice and are not caused by vanity.

Myth: Dieting is a normal part of life.

Fact: Research suggests that dieting is the single predictor for the development of eating disorders.

Myth: Binge eating is a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower.

Fact: Binge eating can be the result of a range of behavioural, emotional, and environmental factors. Each person’s triggers are different, and treatment can help you to find your triggers. Weakness and a lack of willpower are not causes of binge eating.

Myth: Once you have an eating disorder you will have it for life.

Fact: While recovery can be a long and challenging path it is always possible to recover from an eating disorder with the right team of professionals to support you through this.