Millions of men and women suffer from eating disorders. And despite the prevalence of such illnesses, myths and misinformation still surround them.

In an article on the website MyOptumHealth, writer Lila Havens attempted to dismiss some of those myths:

Myth: All people with eating disorders are stick-thin.

Fact: People who have anorexia become extremely thin. But not everyone who has an eating disorder is skinny. People who have bulimia or binge eating disorder may be thin, normal weight or even overweight. This can make it harder to spot the problem. Whatever they weigh, they still have an unhealthy relationship with food that can lead to serious health issues.

Myth: Only teenage girls have eating disorders.

Fact: They are more common among girls and women, but a significant number of boys and men have eating disorders too. Those involved in sports that restrict weight (such as wrestling, gymnastics and ballet) may be at special risk.

Eating disorders often begin in the teens and twenties, but they can start at any age. Children as young as 8 years old have been diagnosed with eating disorders.

Another common myth is that anorexia is more dangerous than bulimia or binge-eating. The truth of the matter is that anyone who is struggling with any type of disordered eating needs to access an effective eating disorder treatment program immediately.

Labels: eating disorders, myths

Posted By: Aspen/CRC