With the rise of social media and the increased spread of misinformation, the facts about eating disorders are often blurred and misunderstood. Here are five myths that we often see in today’s conversations about eating disorders. 

What You Need to Know About Eating Disorders

1. Eating disorders are a choice: From the outside, it may seem as though those struggling with eating disorders are choosing this path. In reality, eating disorders are extremely complex medical illnesses and can be caused by both environmental and genetic factors. They may run in families, be prompted by societal factors such as unrealistic body images or bullying, or even stem from religious fasting. The complexity of eating disorders is one of the many reasons why we must approach treatment with compassion and understanding. 

2. Only women are affected by eating disorders: While it still rings true that the majority of those with eating disorders are women, men can be affected just as severely. The rate of males with eating disorders is currently on the rise, with an average of one in three sufferers being male. Additionally, subclinical eating disordered behaviors, such as binge eating, fasting, and purging, occur in a nearly-equal number of women and men. Some studies even show that men have a higher mortality rate when it comes to eating disorders. Unfortunately, due to social norms and cultural views on masculinity, males are far less likely to seek help for their eating disorders.

3. The main symptom of an eating disorder is weight loss: Although weight loss can be a major sign of eating disorders, it does not occur in all sufferers and is certainly not the only symptom. Symptoms of eating disorders include: fluctuation of weight (both up and down), extreme mood swings, irregular sleeping patterns, dizziness, dry skin and hair, and more. It is important to look out for warning signs other than weight fluctuation in your loved ones, as the earlier a mental health condition is identified, the higher the recovery rate tends to be. 

4. The only serious eating disorder is anorexia: When thinking of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa may be the first one that comes to mind. Although still dangerous, many other eating disorders also pose a great threat to the body and the sufferer’s health. Research shows that the most deadly eating disorders are bulimia and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders). Those who abuse laxatives, engage in self-induced vomiting, and excessively exercise showed the most risk of death. One study revealed that around 1 in every 20 people struggling with eating disorders will die as a result of their illness. 

5. There isn’t an increased risk of suicide for eating disorder sufferers: Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Although the leading cause of death for eating disorder patients is health complications and malnourishment, suicide trails closely behind. In fact, those struggling with anorexia nervosa are two to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Warning signs include but are not limited to talking about suicide, feeling hopeless and/or depressed, increased substance use, and behavior changes, such as social isolation, irregular sleep patterns, and dark mood swings. 

National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, making it an important opportunity to continue to shed light on one of the leading causes of death in America. If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, know that you are not alone and that help is available. For emergencies, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

Discover the possibility of living a meaningful life. Discover the possibility of recovery. Reach out to Dr. Benaaz Russell, PsyD, CEDS, today to schedule an appointment!