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

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Students at the University of New Hampshire are working to dispel the media-propagated myths and misconceptions about beauty by participating in Mind/Body Dialogues. The dialogues begin as a scripted play, but end in an open question-and-answer session.

"The event illuminated some startling statistics while sharing a number of poignant experiences related to body issues. In a survey conducted at UNH in 2001 aimed at finding where UNH stands on body issues, 25 percent of students had symptoms of eating disorders and over half the people surveyed said they knew people with eating disorders."

Those who attended the event felt empowered by the play, but more so by the discussion that followed. The Mind/Body Dialogues have been performed twice so far, and organizers are planning a third for the upcoming semester. Source: The New Hampshire (UNH)

Labels: media_influences, beauty, myths

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Tara Gilbride is a sophomore at Notre Dame. She's also one of the millions of U.S. females who struggle with an eating disorder. Last month, Tara decided she needed to "go public" with her eating disorder, in hopes of encouraging others who may feel ashamed to ask for help.

"'I know a lot of people who are struggling with eating disorders and think this is something they have to hide,' Gilbride, who battles anorexia, said. 'I feel comfortable letting [people] on campus know who don't feel comfortable that [an eating disorder is] not a shameful thing to be struggling with.'"

Tara has heard from several Notre Dame students who either have an eating disorder or know someone who does. Tara hopes her letter will give her a platform from which to dispel some of the misconceptions about eating disorders. Read more at NDMCObserver.com.

Getting support for an eating disorder or other teen issues is important for recovery. NorthStar Center, a residential treatment center in Bend, OR, offers a sober living environment for older teens and young adults who are in recovery and need to finish school.

Labels: awareness, support, myths

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There's much that's still misunderstood about eating disorders. The most common misunderstanding is that it's a choice. Still another is that it only affects high school and college students.

"...the doctor told us that while it's uncommon, eating disorders have been found in girls as young as 7 and 8 years old. Yes, 7 and 8 years old. That's barely elementary school. And what is perfectly common is to find them in girls of ages 13, 14, 15, 16."

More and more studies are finding that there are biological/genetic factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. Another fact few people know is that eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. Read more at PittNews.com.

Labels: causes of eating disorders, myths, genes

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Although the dreaded "Freshman 15" is really more like 4 or 5 pounds, health experts warn that co-eds don't go to extremes worrying about gaining a little weight while at college. Staying disciplined despite being tempted by loads of unhealthy food options can be difficult for many students. Finding balance and moderation can be another daunting task.

"Since beauty and weight are closely linked in our culture, the desire to be thin is an oppressive message that can foster eating disorders, says Ann Hoschler, director of Student Health & Counseling at Augustana College. She conducts 300 to 400 counseling sessions a year that focus on depression, eating issues, anxiety and family concerns... Reactions to tremendous life changes such as going to college can include anxiety, depression and weight fluctuationseither up or down."

There are so many issues teenagers face during their first year at college: freedom from parents, weird schedules, homesickness, changing bodies, and so on that it's not surprising many students gain or loose weight. Some colleges require students to take nutrition classes or ones on overall personal wellness. Read more from the Argus Leader.

Labels: media_influences, students, myths

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