Eating disorders are complex conditions that present challenges in identification, diagnosis, and treatment. Misconceptions about these disorders can hinder effective care and contribute to stigma. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths to help healthcare providers better understand eating disorders and improve their ability to support patients. By addressing these myths, we aim to enhance care and reduce barriers to treatment.
Challenges in the Care Process
Eating disorders possess several complexities and can therefore incite challenges in the identification, diagnosis and treatment process. Below, I have listed an example at each of these steps below:
Identification:
Someone struggling may be hesitant to disclose related to fear of negative stigma associated with eating disorders.
Diagnosis:
Eating disorders present uniquely in each individual so can be difficult to spot or diagnose.
Treatment:
Resistance can happen. Wavering amounts of motivation at different periods of time throughout the process is common which can pose challenges in treatment.
These are just one of many examples. As professionals, one way we can help to bring down these barriers is to be informed about eating disorders. In this article I am going to debunk a few myths that are associated with eating disorders. My hope is to increase awareness around eating disorders, thus increasing confidence in providers’ ability to identify, diagnose and treat eating disorders.
5 Eating Disorder Myths in the Diagnosis, Identification and Treatment of ED’s
1. Eating disorders do not have a “look.”
When you hear ‘eating disorder’ what type of person do you picture in your mind? For most of us it is a thin, young, straight, affluent, white, female who suffers from anorexia nervosa. This is no fault to us, as this is how eating disorders have been portrayed in the media. Yes, this type of person does exist, but this only accounts for a small percentage of cases. Here are a few statistics to keep in mind:
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- A 2019 study found that Hispanic/Latina/o, Black/African American, and Asian Americans are more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors than their white counterparts1
- Rates of eating disorders in males are increasing at a faster rate than for females2
- Studies have found that 13% of women 50 years old and above and 7% of men aged 40 and above experience at least one current symptom of an eating disorder3,4,52. It is not an active choice to have an eating disorder
The “cause” of eating disorders is multi-layered and includes an overlap of genetics, biological, psychological, behavioral and sociological factors. For example, it may start out as a seemingly harmless diet, only wanting to lose 1-2 lbs, escalating beyond their control to a full blown eating disorder.
2. It is not an active choice to have an eating disorder.
The “cause” of eating disorders is multi-layered and includes an overlap of genetics, biological, psychological, behavioral and sociological factors. For example, it may start out as a seemingly harmless diet, only wanting to lose 1-2 lbs, escalating beyond their control to a full blown eating disorder.
3. Underweight is not the only weight-related presentation of someone with anorexia nervosa.
An equal amount, if not more, individuals diagnosed with anorexia do not meet the ‘underweight’ criteria. It is very possible to be engaging in restrictive behaviors and not lose any weight at all. This is related to the body’s incredible ability to protect itself.
4. Body Image is not cured by weight loss.
Research shows that body image is not improved by weight loss. In fact, body image typically worsens after weight loss. This could be attributed to the fact that weight loss does not address the effects of internalized weight stigma. It may take years of intentional body image work to experience positive changes in the way we perceive ourselves. It is a continual journey often best accompanied by an eating disorder dietitian and therapist.
5. Recovery does not necessarily mean cured.
Recovery from an eating disorder can take intentional work everyday. Relapses can happen, especially during stressful times in life. 20% to 50% of those with eating disorders will relapse, and relapse is exceptionally high in those recovering from anorexia nervosa.
Where Can I Learn More About Eating Disorders?
- Reading blogs and articles like this one! We publish three per month.
- Listening to podcasts from healthcare professionals that work with eating disorders
- Continuing Education opportunities are happening all the time–Check out eating disorder facilities websites to find some.
- Talking to eating disorder professionals about their experience
- When you encounter a patient/client who has an eating disorder, listen to what they have to say about their lived experience.
Final thoughts on Myths About Eating Disorders
Thank you for reading through our guide on Myths About Eating Disorders for providers. To sum up my advice, remember that disordered eating is a spectrum and those that struggle with it can present in many different ways.
Keep in mind, there are also those who may not meet the exact criteria for an eating disorder, thus not earning a formal diagnosis, but still engage in clinically significant eating behaviors that affect their health and quality of life. These individuals deserve the same attention and care as someone with a diagnosable eating disorder.
There’s always continuing education opportunities for providers to learn more about eating disorders!
Sources
1. Simone, M., Telke, S., Anderson, L. M., Eisenberg, M., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2022). Ethnic/racial and gender differences in disordered eating behavior prevalence trajectories among women and men from adolescence into adulthood. Social science & medicine (1982), 294, 114720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114720
2. Gorrell, S.,& Murray, S. B. (2019). Eating disorders in males. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 28(4), 641–651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2019.05.01 Maine, M. (2016). Pursuing Perfection: Eating Disorders, Body Myths, and Women at Midlife and Beyond. London: Routledge.
3. Maine, M. (2016). Pursuing Perfection: Eating Disorders, Body Myths, and Women at Midlife and Beyond. London: Routledge.
4. Mangweth-Matzek, B., Kummer, K. K., & Hoek, H. W. (2023). Update on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders among older people. Current opinion in psychiatry, 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000893. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000893
5. Samuels, K. L., Maine, M. M., & Tantillo, M. (2019). Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, and Body Image in Midlife and Older Women. Current psychiatry reports, 21(8), 70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1057-5
6. Bailey, A.P., Parker A.G., Colautti, L.A. et al. Mapping the evidence for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in young people. J Eat Disod 2, 5 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-2974-2-5
About Us
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland. and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado and Georgia. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Haley joined Courage to Nourish because she shares an anti-diet, weight neutral philosophy in her treatment strategies and she wanted to work in an outpatient setting to foster deeper connections with clients focusing on helping clients repair their relationships with food
and their bodies. To learn more about Haley and her practice style, click here.