By Adina Kurzban
Awareness of our bodies and feelings of self-consciousness have been normalized in our society and exacerbated by the media. In fact, according to a study done by Harvard, nearly 30 million Americans -- or 10% of the US population -- struggle with an eating disorder. So why is it that so many people lack an understanding of what an eating disorder really is?
This article hopes to address some of the main eating disorder myths and answer questions about what eating disorders really are.
Myth 1: Having an eating disorder is a choice. No! Eating disorders are caused by biological, environmental, and societal factors. That means that eating disorders are caused somewhat by genetics, but are also caused by society, like the beauty standards of the media, and by environmental factors, like childhood bullying. Eating disorders are medical conditions affecting the brain's perception of one's body and of food, and are definitely not a choice.
Myth 2: Only girls get eating disorders. People of any gender can have eating disorders. In fact, one-third of all eating disorder sufferers are male, and transgender individuals experience eating disorders at a much higher rate than cisgender people. However, there is a large stigma surrounding men with eating disorders, which means less research is available on eating disorders in men.
Myth 3: Everyone with an eating disorder is thin. There are many types of eating disorders, and all affect people with varying body types. Different eating disorders affect the body in different ways. While some cause thinness, others may cause weight gain or no physical change at all. Everyone's experience is unique.
Myth 4: Only young people get eating disorders. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, ranging from 5 to 80. Eating disorders can stay dormant and be triggered at a later age, or just manifest later in life. Either way, everyone has a different -- and valid -- experience.
Although this article only addresses a few myths, there are many more out there. It is our job to educate those who don't understand! Keep reading, keep learning, and keep supporting your friends, family, and yourself.
Cited:
Author unknown, “Busting Myths About Eating Disorders”, National Eating Disorders Association, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/busting-myths-about-eating-disorders
Author unknown, “Eating Disorders”, MedlinePlus.gov, https://medlineplus.gov/eatingdisorders.html
Eric Strother, et al., “Eating Disorders In Men: Underdiagnosed, Undertreated, and Misunderstood”, published October 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3479631/
Author unknown, “Statistics and Research on Eating Disorders”, National Eating Disorders Association, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics-research-eating-disorders
Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED), “Social and Economic Costs of Eating Disorders in the United States”, STRIPED, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/
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