2. There are many
myths surrounding
the subject of
eating disorders, including the
types of people they affect,
the causes and the signs. Here
are some of the most common
myths about eating disorders:
3. MYTH #1: Eating disorders only
affect women.
REALITY: 25% of people who
suffer from eating disorders
are men. Due to the gender bias of
clinicians, an eating disorder in a
male is less likely to be diagnosed as
anorexia or bulimia. Also due to
stigma and misunderstandings
surrounding eating disorders, males are
less likely to admit their problem and
seek help.
4. MYTH #2: Men
with eating
disorders tend to be
homosexual.
REALITY: Sexual preference has no
correlation with developing an
eating disorder.
5. MYTH #3: Eating disorders are only a
problem for people of high
socioeconomic status.
REALITY: Eating disorders can affect
people in all socioeconomic
groups. Because much of the research that has
been done on eating disorders only considered
young people who were already diagnosed, people
who lack the resources or insurance to seek help
were overlooked. Although difference in income and
insurance coverage have made eating disorders
seem like only a "high-class" problem, it has been
shown that eating disorders can affect people from
any socioeconomic group.
6. MYTH #4: Eating disorders are all
about beauty and appearance.
REALITY: Eating disorders continue long
after a person has reached his or her
"target weight," proving that eating
disorders cannot be simplified into an
issue with appearance.
Eating disorders are a
mental illness usually related
to emotional issues such as control,
low self-esteem and poor body image.
7. MYTH #5: The fashion
industry is to blame.
REALITY: Although the
fashion and modeling
industries may play a role in
promoting eating disorders, they
are not a principle cause. Many
people are exposed to the media ideal of "thin"
everyday, but not everyone develops an eating
disorder. More important factors that influence the
development of an eating disorder include
genetics and personality traits.
8. MYTH #6:
Disordered eating
is uncommon.
REALITY: The criteria doctors use to diagnose
eating disorders are very strict, making the
incidence of anorexia and bulimia very low (only
about 0.5 percent of the population have anorexia,
and 1 percent to 2 percent have bulimia). However,
anorexia-like and bulimia-like habits
are very common. Just because it is not
diagnosed as an eating disorder, similar eating
habits and emotional problems should not be
dismissed.
9. MYTH #7: Bulimics only
purge by vomiting.
REALITY: A person does not have
to make themselves vomit in order to
have bulimia. Although vomiting is a common way to
purge after binge-eating, people with bulimia may also
exercise compulsively and/or use laxatives. Therefore,
vomiting is not what characterizes
bulimia; its core element is the cycle
of binge-eating followed by purging
in any form.
10. MYTH #8: Eating disorders
are not deadly.
REALITY: Fortunately, most people suffering from
an eating disorder recover with proper treatment
including an extensive team of experts. However, if
left untreated eating disorders can
be deadly. In five to 10 percent of cases of
those with the disorder, anorexia causes death
either from suicide, heart problems or other
complications of the disorder.
11. Sources
National Eating Disorder Association
“Common Myths About Eating Disorders”
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-re
toolkit.php
CBS News
“9 Deadly Myths About Eating Disorders”
http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10005824.htm
