3 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Eating Disorders
Myths and misconceptions about eating disorders run rampant in our culture.
Because of the portrayal of eating disorders in the media many people have a vision of what an eating disorder “looks” like. That combined with a general misunderstanding of the why’s/how’s of eating disorders by the general population and health care professionals alike, people struggling with their relationship to food and their body often feel stigmatized, not believed, isolated, and alone.
If you’re looking to understand eating disorders more for yourself, or for a loved one, debunking these 3 common myths and misconceptions of eating disorders should be supportive.
1. Having an Eating Disorder is a Choice.
The causes of eating disorders are complex, and research continues to look at the many factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. What we do know to be true is that eating disorders are caused by both genetic and environmental factors.
impact of Biology
Biology plays a crucial role in the development of eating disorders- studies continue to show that people who have a genetic predisposition to an eating disorder are significantly more vulnerable to developing one themselves.
environmental Factors
Environmental factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder include exposure to diet-culture messaging, fatphobic beliefs, bullying around appearance, body shape and size, health conditions, and dieting behaviors.
It’s important to note that 1 in 4 dieters will move on to be diagnosed with a clinical eating disorder. We often talk with our clients about the slippery slope of eating disorder behaviors; they can quickly spin out of our control, into life-draining, compulsive behaviors.
2. You Can Tell if Someone Has an Eating Disorder By Looking at Them
This is one of the most common myths and misconceptions about eating disorders. The media portrays eating disorders by showing thin, white adolescent females. The truth is that all eating disorders occur in bodies of all sizes, bodies of all gender identifications, and bodies of all races and ethnicities.
Here at Reclaim Therapy in Pennsylvania, we assess for anorexia in people of all sizes, despite the cultural narrative that anorexia only occurs in people with underweight bodies.
additionally, our therapists…
Recognize that research about men living with anorexia was limited until the shift in diagnostic criteria in 2013. Now that men can be formally diagnosed with all eating disorders, we see the need for support increasing.
Many people struggling with an eating disorder suffer in silence because they have not been believed, or they don’t see their body as deserving of treatment.
3. Eating Disorders are Just About Food
On the surface, eating disorders seem to be about food. The control of food, the hypervigilance about food, the fear of food. But under that surface, there is commonly anxiety, depression, trauma, body image concerns, and deep self-criticism. We often prompt our clients to consider, “if it weren’t about the food, what else would it be about?” Our goal is to help people understand the utility of their behaviors around food, and how the behaviors make them feel safe and secure in the world. This is an entry point to understanding and healing the roots of the eating disorder.
You’re not alone!
There are so many misconceptions about eating disorders and people who struggle with them. If you are struggling, we want you to know that you’re not broken, you’re not crazy, and your story deserves to be heard, believed, and respected.
At Reclaim Therapy, we provide specialized treatment for people struggling with eating disorders with a specialization in binge eating disorders.
We reject the culturally normative view of eating disorders and wholeheartedly believe that anyone who is struggling with their relationship to food deserves support. Our therapists in Pennsylvania are here to support you with what you’re struggling with. Learn about what we offer at Reclaim therapy and see if we are right for you.
We encourage you to reach out for support when you’re ready. You deserve a big, full life. We’re excited and ready to help you get there.
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We provide in-person and online therapy in Pennsylvania for people looking for trauma treatment, eating disorder treatment, and body image therapy.
Based on our Horsham, PA counseling practice, we provide online therapy to Pennsylvania residents who are looking for specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD, body image, EMDR, grief, binge eating, and other disordered eating concerns.