Common Myths About Eating Disorders

Myth 1: Only girls have eating disorders

In reality, eating disorders affect people of all genders. While eating disorders are more common in females, they can occur in males as well. Recent studies suggest that up to 25% of individuals seeking eating disorder treatment are male.

Myth 2: Eating disorders only affect very thin people

This is false. People of any weight or body type can have an eating disorder. An eating disorder is not solely diagnosed based on body type or weight.

Myth 3: Eating disorders are just about food

While eating disorders often involve a fixation with food, they are rooted in complex biological, psychological, and sociocultural causes. They are serious mental illnesses that go beyond just food-related issues.

Myth 4: Eating disorders are a choice or lifestyle

Eating disorders are not a choice. They are serious mental health conditions that people don't choose to have. What may start as a plan to "get healthy" can transform into a potentially life-threatening illness.

Myth 5: Eating disorders only develop in teenagers

While many eating disorders surface between ages 12-25, they can affect people of any age, even in childhood or later adulthood.

Myth 6: Eating disorders are not serious illnesses

This is a dangerous misconception. Eating disorders are very serious and can be deadly. Anorexia nervosa, for example, has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder except for opioid overdose.

Myth 7: Parents cause eating disorders

Parents do not cause eating disorders. These conditions arise from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Myth 8: Recovery is just a matter of eating normally

While proper nutrition is crucial, recovery involves more than just eating. It requires addressing underlying psychological issues and often involves a combination of medical, psychiatric, therapeutic, and dietary interventions.

© 2025 Meg Maginn LCSW. All rights reserved.